Donald Roy Maddux passed away on June 20th, 2023. He was born in Corvallis, Oregon, on October 7th, 1957, the third of five children to Robert (Bob) and Joy Maddux.
Don grew up in Philomath and besides a brief period of time in Colorado, spent his entire life living in Philomath and camping at Elk City. He graduated from Philomath High School in 1975 where he excelled at cross-country, wrestling and track as well as advanced mathematics and slide trombone.
After high school, he went to work at Northside Lumber. He eventually was lured away from the mill to work for Coast/Continental Crane and then Forslund Crane. In his position as a crane oiler he worked all over the West Coast doing cell tower installations, setting up turbines for wind farms, and projects at many mills and construction sites. One of the highlights of his crane career was working with the crane crew that moved Keiko the whale from his tank in Newport so that Keiko could be freed from captivity.
Many say that Don was a man of few words but if you really knew him, he could talk your ear off. He was kind, stubborn, opinionated, had a wicked sense of humor, and many other indescribable qualities that made him a very unique person. He enjoyed camping, fishing, BBQing, and riding and tinkering with his motorcycles.
Some men come into our lives and make a lasting impression on our hearts. Don was one of those men, his loss is deeply felt by many.
He is survived by his partner Rebecca Gutbrod, daughter Christina Serven of Eddyville, grandson Ayden Williams of Eddyville, and his dog Wrennie. He is also survived by his brother Tom Maddux – Portland, and sisters Darlene Rose (Jim) – Philomath, Peggy Krause (John) – Corvallis, and Ruth Post (Henry) – Philomath. Also surviving are his five nieces who adored their “Uncle Donny” and several great nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life is being held on August 5th at the Philomath Frolic Rodeo Grounds from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Email madduxevent@gmail.com for more information.
Gifts in Don’s memory may be made to SafeHaven Humane Society, 32220 Old Hwy 34, Tangent OR 97389.