BEDFORD — The Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence County has dedicated its latest “Inside the Club” newsletter to honoring the life, achievements, and lasting community impact of its STEM Coordinator, Victor “Vic” Makximenko, who passed away in May.
Organization leaders expressed that Makximenko’s passing has left an “incredible void” within the staff, membership, and the broader Lawrence County community. Described as the true “heart” of the organization, he spent his retirement using his extensive technical talents to invest in the futures of local youth.
Measuring a Monumental “Club Impact”
As the organization’s STEM Coordinator, Makximenko dedicated countless hours to developing hands-on learning experiences inside the youth Maker Space. He specialized in introducing children to technical fields they might otherwise never have encountered, including robotics, woodworking, and 3D printing.
His innovative approach and dedication did not go unnoticed. In April, just weeks before his passing, Makximenko was honored with the prestigious Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Award by the Boys & Girls Club of Indiana Area Council. The statewide award recognizes outstanding program professionals who make a lasting, tangible difference in the lives of Indiana youth.
“Vic brought patience, knowledge, and passion to our Club every day,” said Ashley Gilstrap, Director of Resource Development. “He created opportunities for our youth that many never imagined possible, and his impact will be felt for years to come.”
Mentoring Through the Teen Center and Gateway Academy
Makximenko was primarily stationed in the Maker Space at the local Teen Center, where he fostered an environment that encouraged teenagers to explore engineering and design concepts. One of his final major initiatives was a collaborative “Marble Run” project, which challenged teens to blend robotics, physical design, and creative problem-solving.
His mentorship extended deeply into the local school system through a partnership with Gateway Academy—North Lawrence Community Schools’ alternative education program for students at risk of falling behind or not graduating.
At Gateway, Makximenko taught practical, real-world trade skills. He guided students through the basics of plumbing, electrical work, woodworking, and complex drywalling techniques, including measuring, cutting, taping, and patching. Club officials noted that for Makximenko, these builds were never just about the physical tasks, but were instead calculated opportunities to build confidence, resilience, and pride in students who needed it most.
A Distinguished Career at NSWC Crane
Before dedicating his retirement to the Boys & Girls Club, Makximenko served a distinguished 33-year career in the Federal Civil Service as an electrical engineer at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane).
During his tenure at Crane, he held numerous high-level leadership positions across Research and Development, eventually serving as the Chief Strategist for Expeditionary Warfare. His engineering work ranged from developing cutting-edge, specialized munitions for U.S. Navy SEALs to cultivating incoming technical talent for the base.
Near the conclusion of his civil service, Makximenko pioneered the creation of the Rapid Innovation and Prototype Laboratory (RIPL) at Crane. Mirroring the Maker Space he would later build for local kids, the RIPL provided engineers and technicians with rapid-prototyping capabilities in metalworking, electronics, welding, CAD software, and 3D printing. The laboratory’s massive success in speeding up equipment delivery to the military fleet drew national attention, earning visits from high-level government officials, including the U.S. Secretary of Defense.
Deep Roots in the Bedford Community
Beyond his professional and military civilian accolades, Makximenko was a fixture in local civic life. He joined the Board of Directors for Bedford Federal Savings Bank in 2013 and was appointed Board Treasurer in 2014. He was also an active member of the American Legion Gillen Post 33 in Bedford and was widely known by his neighbors as a reliable fixer, friend, and motivator.
Of all his achievements, family remained his greatest source of pride. He was a dedicated husband to his wife of 36 years, Betsey Spear Makximenko, and frequently noted that his two children, Alex and Tessa, were his absolute biggest accomplishments.
In a reflection of his wide-reaching impact, the Boys & Girls Club announced that more than $5,000 has already been donated to the organization in Makximenko’s memory. The funds will be utilized to sustain and grow the STEM and Maker Space programs he championed, ensuring his legacy continues to shape future generations of local creators and innovators.
