The farm crisis of the 70's forced Joe and his brother from the farm into other vocations. As a rural mail carrier, Joe continued his strong sense of responsibility and respect for individuals. When he and his twin brother opened their own small business, Joe treated each customer's problem the way he would want to be treated. “It was the right thing to do...the repeat business was just a welcome byproduct.”

Service is the foundation of Joe Maxwell's philosophy. He served his country in the Missouri National Guard for twenty years rising to the rank of first sergeant. Joe’s father also served in the Missouri National Guard and taught Joe what it means to respect and care for our nation’s veterans.

Recognizing his potential for service, Joe returned to school in search of a higher education. In 1986 Joe graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education, Social Studies. Joe’s interest in government and its effect on everyday life made it a natural decision to study law, and in 1990 he received his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri-Columbia Law School. Joe served his home area as partner of a Mexico, Missouri law firm, Hagan, Hamlett and Maxwell. But it was in the political arena that Joe would best serve his home.

Beginning his career of public service as a state representative, Joe earned the reputation for working long hours and tackling tough issues. His hard work earned him a seat as senator of the 18th District, representing an area that stretches across a dozen Missouri counties in the northeast region of the state. Joe’s unwavering spirit and work ethic is apparent in his accomplishments as a state senator.

He sponsored the Patients Bill of Rights in Missouri. With this legislation he was once more ahead of the curve, providing a blueprint for the nation to follow. He successfully passed the Financial Exploitation Act to safeguard our senior citizens' financial savings. He also fought for tougher child protection laws ensuring that Missouri protects its most vulnerable citizens with the passage of his Child Protection Act into law in July 2000.

In November of 2000, Joe was elected lieutenant governor of Missouri. As lieutenant governor, Joe serves as Missouri’s Advocate for the Elderly and chaired the Governor’s Prescription Drug Task Force. He guided it to a successful conclusion with the passage of the Missouri SenioRx Program, which allows eligible Missouri senior citizens the option to receive discounted prescription drugs. 

Joe is in charge of 16 boards and commissions as lieutenant governor. He was elected chair of the Missouri Community Service Commission, which had a record number of participants for Make a Difference Day, 2001. He was also elected chair of the Veterans Benefits Awareness Task Force, which is working to ensure that Missouri veterans access federal VA benefits they’ve earned. He is the vice-chair for the Missouri Tourism Commission and co-chair of the Personal Independence Committee. Welfare reform and early childhood education are two of Joe’s passions, and he continues to make them issues in legislation.

Joe has become known as a consensus builder and innovator in drafting legislation that has served as a model for other states and the federal government. Maxwell’s motto shines through in his work, “I believe in leaving an office in better condition than you find it.”

Like most Missouri families, Joe and his wife Sarah work hard to provide for their children. Their two daughters, Megan and Shannen, serve as constant reminders that Sarah and Joe must strive every day to make this world a better place.  His vision of a better world for our children comes through in Joe's legendary hard work and his genuine love for people.