HIS LAST DELIVERY: LONGTIME MAIL CARRIER DAVE MAXWELL RETIRES

By Makayla Maxwell

My dad, Dave, has spent the past 48 years as a Long Beach mail carrier, delivering more or less the same route near Millikan High School for about 30 of those years. On his very last Saturday delivery in January, my sister Shelby, and I had the privilege of walking his entire route with him—something we’ll always cherish. Unbeknownst to him, we had made postcards announcing his retirement to pass out along the way.

We started the day at Grounds Bakery, making sure we were properly caffeinated before meeting Dad across the street at the Postal Annex—his usual first stop, where he’s been delivering since they opened. From there, we visited familiar businesses, including Dr. Ward’s office, where Dad’s trusted chiropractor has kept him in working order all these years. Then, it was time for the neighborhood route!

Almost immediately, Shelby and I struggled to keep up with him. He's quick! He prides himself on being very consistent with delivering to people at the same time each day.

On the very first street, we were met with warm smiles from neighbors enjoying their Saturday morning. Throughout the day, we met so many wonderful people, and it became clear why Dad had been reluctant to retire earlier. The people that were on his route have become an extension of his family.

As longtime resident Jeannie Battung put it, “I loved that [Dave] was so reliable—he was a straight shooter, always upbeat, helpful, and more like a fellow neighbor than just our mailman. Dave was the mailman every neighborhood wished they had, but lucky for us, he picked ours!”

"Dave not only provided efficient postal service and took very good care of us, but as helpful as the courtesies are, he has also been a friend. Dave always has a smile and an interesting or funny comment. We love his stories...So, although we are sad to lose him, we are grateful for his friendship and very happy for his well-earned retirement," shares neighbors Jeff and Nancy McKnight.

Reflecting on his career, my dad shared: “Retiring is tough when you've spent years building friendships with so many good people. I loved watching the kids grow up and bringing holiday gifts, knowing they’d bring someone joy. No matter what kind of day I was having, my patrons’ cheerfulness always lifted me up—I just hoped to do the same for them.”

To everyone who shared farewell notes, parting gifts, and kind words—thank you. Your generosity has meant the world to our family. It makes us all so proud to call Long Beach home.