Bedford - Victor Makximenko, 63, passed away on May 25, in Bedford, Indiana.

He married Betsey (Spear) Makximenko on July 8, 1989, in Niagara Falls, New York.

Vic devoted 33 years of honorable civilian service to the Navy and Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division. Vic held several technical roles supporting classified projects as the Special Warfare and Expeditionary Systems Department (SWESD) Chief Strategist. His innovative work resulted in a U.S. Patent and NSWC Crane would not be where it is today without Vic's dedication, initiative, and keen technical knowledge of Expeditionary Warfare.

Vic was recently awarded Most Valuable Professional by the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence County. He expanded the maker-space at the club into one the largest in Indiana. Vic was on the Board of Directors for Bedford Federal Savings Bank since 2014 in the role of Treasurer. Vic was a member of American Legion Gillen Post 33.

Vic was a builder, creator, fixer, remodeler, musician, mentor, and encourager. Vic has had a profound impact on so many in our community - through his children's relationships, his personal friendships and community involvement.

Vic was most proud of Alex and Tessa and always felt they were his biggest accomplishment.

Surviving to cherish his memory are his wife, Betsey; son, Alex; daughter, Tessa (Cody Schmidt); brothers-in-law, Barry (Pam) Spear and Brett (Martha Peterson) Spear; special nieces Staci (Kevin) Goss, Michelle (Rodney) Schrock; many other close family members and a sister, Valia West.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nicolai and Maria Makximenko; and his brother, Ivan Makximenko and his in-laws, Ray and Susanne Spear.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m.to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2; and on Wednesday, June 3 from 11:00 a.m. until the start of the service at 1:00 p.m. at Ferguson-Lee Funeral Home, 818 18th Street, Bedford, Indiana with Father David Chidzhokie and Deacon James Stickel of Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Goshen and Rev. Timm High of First Presbyterian Church of Bedford officiating.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests donations be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence County, Bedford, Indiana.