Mural Proposed to Honor Memory of Street Evangelist "Sonny" Maxwell

For several years, those passing near the intersection of E Old State Road 60 and High Street in Salem may have noticed a man preaching in the open air at the Center Peace concrete lot. Sometimes he spoke to a crowd, other times to only one or two. That man was Leonard “Sonny” Maxwell Jr., a street evangelist well known throughout Washington County.

Sonny Maxwell.

Maxwell passed away this year on March 28, at the age of 75. Now, several months later, family members are seeking to honor his legacy with a mural at Center Peace, the site where he carried out much of his ministry.

The effort is being led by his wife, Laquitta, and granddaughter, Halle Hargis. A petition on Change.org has gathered close to 200 signatures in support of the idea, though plans regarding design, funding, and exact location have not been finalized.

One supporter of the petition wrote about Maxwell’s work with young men struggling with addiction: “He provided housing and food for them, studied the Bible with them, and got them both into a facility to help them. He did this to simply help. Who better than Sonny to have a mural painted of his good works, at Center Peace!”

Maxwell’s ministry was shaped by his childhood. According to Laquitta, he spent much of his early life with his grandfather, a Baptist minister. “He admired his grandpa and how he would tell everyone no matter what they were going through, ‘Jesus is the Answer.’ His grandpa was a big influence on who Sonny became as an adult.”

After serving more than seven years in the U.S. Air Force as a lineman, Maxwell returned to civilian life and later retired from Brown Forman. His wife recalls that his Air Force service prepared him for the endurance needed in street ministry. “He preached in all the elements: rain, sleet, snow, ice, heat and humidity,” she said.

In addition to his open-air preaching, Maxwell served as chaplain of the Salem American Legion for several years, took part in local jail ministry, volunteered at the Warming Station, and operated the Sowing Seeds Mission House. He was also active in the Washington County Hymn Sing, an ecumenical event that brought churches together across denominations. He also performed weddings, funerals, and baptisms.

“One thing for certain, if you knew Sonny you have seen his smile he always had on his face, and the kind words he shared with many,” Laquitta said. “He was a true example of Christ’s love.”

In addition to Laquitta, Maxwell is survived by one son, Leonard Maxwell III of Pekin; two daughters, Odessa Fulks of West Virginia and Andrea Hargis of Salem; and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three sisters and one grandchild.

A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for Saturday, August 30, from 2–5 p.m. at First Christian Church on Walnut Street in Salem. A meal will follow at the Salem American Legion post where Maxwell served as chaplain.

In the meantime, the street ministry Maxwell began continues. Forever Changed Outreach Ministry now holds services at Center Peace every other Friday night at 7 p.m.

The proposal for a mural at the site remains in early discussion, but supporters say it would be a fitting way to remember Maxwell’s presence in Salem. As his wife put it: “Sonny was the hands and feet of Jesus, spreading love and helping the needy. He was a true disciple. He left a great legacy behind and made a huge impact on Washington County.”