Robert E. Maxwell, a longtime federal judge in West Virginia, died Saturday, the Inter-Mountain newspaper in Elkins, W.Va., reported.
Born in 1924, Maxwell was the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia from 1961 until 1964. Nominated for the Northern District bench by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965, he served as chief judge from 1965 until 1994. He went to senior status the next year, keeping the position until his death.
Early in his career, Maxwell was a prosecuting attorney in Randolph County. A graduate of West Virginia University College of Law, he had also worked in private practice.
Renowned for his dedication to the community, Maxwell was a much appreciated figure.
“Judge Maxwell was a special person, and I always considered him a dear friend. He was a true defender of justice and an excellent public servant who will be sorely missed”, said U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin.
A memorial is expected to be held soon.
