Woodrow Merlin Maxey

W. Merlin Maxey, 85, founder of Maxey Energy Company, passed away on October 31, 2026, at Blue Skies nursing home in San Antonio, Texas. 

He was born in Retrop, Oklahoma and was the only child of Woodrow and Christina Maxey.

Merlin grew up in Fort Worth and attended Texas Christian University, where he excelled as a baseball player for the Horned Frogs.

He married Ella Sanderlin on June 2, 1962, in Fort Worth.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting from TCU, he began his career with Humble Oil Company, which later became ExxonMobil. After 15 years with the company, he founded Maxey Energy Company in Uvalde in 1980 with two employees and a truck and ultimately built a successful family business employing hundreds of people across South-Central Texas. He remained an active Uvalde resident for the rest of his life.

Merlin was active with the Texas Food and Fuel Association (TFFA), serving as President in 1998, and helped establish the TFFA Scholarship Fund benefiting high school seniors. He was also recognized with the E.K. Bennett award for exemplary service to the petroleum industry in Texas.

He played sports all his life and was an avid golfer, playing in tournaments with his family well into his 80s. He was a gifted athlete, recording two holes-in-one and a double eagle along the way.

Above all, Merlin was devoted to faith and family and was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Uvalde, and an ordained deacon. He is survived by Ella, his wife of 64 years; three sons and three daughters-in-law; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

The family sincerely appreciates the kindness, friendship, and support extended following his passing.

Visitation

Thursday, November 5th, 2026 - 5:00pm to 7:00pm

Rushing-Estes-Knowles Mortuary

220 South Getty Street

Uvalde, Texas 78801

Funeral Services

Friday, November 6th, 2026 – 11:00am (graveside to follow)

First Baptist Church of Uvalde

220 North High Street

Uvalde, Texas 78801

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Arms of Hope (armsofhope.org) or the TFFA Scholarship Fund (tffa.com).