Elder Maxwell dies at 78

By 1976, he was a member of the presidency of the First Quorum of the Seventy until his call as an apostle in July 1981 at age 55. It was during his early years as a general authority that Latter-day Saints began to appreciate his command of language, and his sermons became talking points among those who heard him.

The scholarly world recognized his role as a public servant and educator, and he was awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree from the U., in addition to other honorary degrees from Westminster College, Brigham Young University, Utah State University, Ricks College and Salt Lake Community College.

After his fight with leukemia became public in 1997, many who had become fond of Elder Maxwell accelerated efforts to show their appreciation. In 1998, the U. established the Neal A. Maxwell Presidential Endowed Chair in Political Theory, Public Policy and Public Service after friends and former students raised $1.25 million for the endowment.

He continued writing and working for the church until he became unable to do so weeks ago, his children said.

As he battled the effects of leukemia and its treatment during the last years of his life, they agreed he simply "never complained." On the day he died, "it was getting difficult for him to talk," said his daughter, Jane Sanders, but their father "told us two different times, 'You are all wonderful.' " The sentiment reflected his lifelong belief in and love for people, his children said.

"You always felt like after talking to him and mother that you could do anything," she said.

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Funeral services

Funeral services for Elder Neal A. Maxwell are scheduled at noon Tuesday in the Tabernacle on Temple Square, followed by a private graveside service before burial in the Salt Lake City Cemetery. No broadcast of the services is planned, according to church spokesman Dale Bills, and there will be no public viewing. Condolences can be e-mailed to: condolences@ldschurch.org or mailed to church headquarters, 47 E. South Temple St., Salt Lake City, UT 84150.

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Contributing: Tom Hatch and Lynn Arave

E-mail: carrie@desnews.com