BEDFORD — The Lawrence County community is mourning the unexpected passing of Victor “Vic” N. Makximenko, 63, a brilliant defense strategist, local bank director, and devoted youth mentor who was recently honored as one of the top Boys & Girls Club professionals in the state.
Makximenko passed away on Monday, May 25, 2026, leaving behind a profound legacy of public service that stretched from national defense innovation to local grassroots youth education.
A Lifetime of Service: From NSWC Crane to the Maker Space
For over three decades, Makximenko served his country as a distinguished civilian engineer at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division. Over a 33-year career, he held vital technical roles within the Munitions Development Branch, managed classified projects, performed critical safety assessments, and secured a U.S. Patent for his innovative work.
As the Chief Strategist for the Special Warfare and Expeditionary Systems Department, he helped shape long-term command strategy for future naval capabilities and established the Rapid Innovation and Prototyping Lab (RIPL).
When he retired from his distinguished career at Crane, Makximenko chose to channel his vast technical expertise straight back into the local community. For the past five years, he served as the STEM Coordinator for the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence County.
A State-Level Honor for Local Impact
Just before his passing, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indiana Area Council named Makximenko a recipient of the prestigious Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Award. The state-level accolade recognizes outstanding program leaders who make a permanent, positive difference in the lives of Indiana youth.
Under his guidance, the Club’s “Maker Space” for teens in grades 7 through 12 expanded into one of the largest designated maker spaces in Indiana.
Every day, Makximenko used his engineering background to introduce local teenagers to hands-on experiences with 3D printing, laser engraving, robotics, computer-aided design (CAD), and electronics. Fellow staff members noted that his patience and passion inspired hundreds of local kids to build self-confidence and pursue future career fields they previously thought were out of reach.
“Vic was an essential part of the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence County team, and someone whose impact on our organization cannot truly be measured,” said Frank Decker, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence County, in a statement to families and staff. “Beyond his professional contributions, Vic was a friend, mentor, and steady presence to so many of us. He cared deeply about the success and future of the young people we serve.”
Deep Roots in Lawrence County
Beyond his work with local youth and national defense, Makximenko was deeply embedded in the Bedford community. He was elected to the Board of Directors for Bedford Federal Savings Bank in June 2013, later serving in the pivotal role of Board Treasurer beginning in 2014. He was also a proud member of the American Legion Gillen Post 33 in Bedford.
Described by friends and family as a builder, creator, fixer, musician, and encourager, Makximenko was known as someone who used his personal time to uplift everyone around him. Family members noted that despite his many professional accolades, he considered his two children, Alex and Tessa, to be his life’s greatest accomplishments.
Arrangements and Memorial Contributions
Makximenko is survived by his wife of nearly 37 years, Betsey Spear Makximenko; his son, Alex; his daughter, Tessa (Cody Schmidt); and a large extended family.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at the Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne Family Funeral Homes, located at 818 18th Street in Bedford. Father David Chidzhokie and Deacon James Stickle of Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Parish of Goshen, the town where Makximenko was born, will officiate alongside Reverend Timm High of the First Presbyterian Church of Bedford. Visitation hours are scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and on Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. until the hour of service at the chapel.
In honor of his deep commitment to local youth development, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers or traditional gifts, memorial donations be directed to the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence County to ensure his vision for local STEM education continues to thrive.
