Tucson lost one her funniest and kindest souls over the weekend. Walter Edward Maxam Jr. passed away on Saturday. Aug. 23. The Vietnam veteran fought a tough struggle against cancer. Maxam has been telling jokes all over the southwest for the last 15 years.

The 67-year-old comedian would perform regularly for local law enforcement, charities and he traveled overseas to perform for the troops in Iraq four years ago. Maxam retired with the Marana Unified School District. He would invite some comedians to tell jokes during the Senior lock-ins.


He will forever be known for his kindness, honesty, wisdom and great hair in the local comedy scene. Maxam spent his weekends going to Laffs Comedy Caffe (almost) every weekend. He would do guest sets, feature and headline. He became a fixture and friend to everyone that toured the club. Someone adequately stated on his Facebook page, "If Laffs were Cheers, they just lost their Norm." 

After performing my second set of my career, Walt walked up to me and said "Put that mic stand behind you before you start next time." It's advice I try to keep in mind every time I perform. He didn't need to introduce himself because we became friends at that moment. Walt loved makin' people laugh. He's was pretty damn good at it, and he was better than folks half his age.

He will be sorely missed.

The services for friends and family will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 30, at the Marana Mortuary Cemetery, 12146 W Barnett Road. Call 520-682-9900 or click here for more information.