Max A. Earl July 9, 1925 – June 29, 2015 Max was born on a farm near Exeter, Nebraska to George Blue Earl and Frances (Wadman) Earl Everett. He was the oldest of five sons. The family moved from the farm to Omaha where Max graduated from Omaha Tech High School. At the age of 18 years he enlisted in the Merchant Marines during World War II. He traveled all over the world for the next three years. Upon his return home, his first job was as a bootlegger, transporting whiskey from Omaha to Atlantic City, Iowa. A brief encounter with a sheriff convinced him to look for another career. He then met, in his words, a pretty girl and very friendly. He began to date Cleo Diederich. Soon after he contracted polio, which required him to use a cane to walk. Showing her unconditional love for Max, Cleo married him on May 28, 1949. I didnt know what Cleo saw in me since I was a cripple and didnt have a job. By getting married she was taking on a burden, he said. They had seven children. Max was a good father and provider. He initially sold cars and all types of insurance, eventually buying Lien Sanitation business from one of his customers. He developed Lien into a family business with sons Steve, Greg, and Brad becoming involved. With their help, Max added a termite and pest control business to Lien. In his early fifties Max became a private pilot and was passionate about flying. He took great joy in flying his family and friends in his plane. At sixty he sold his plane and bought a cabin at Woodcliff Lake to bring his family closer together. It worked; there were many good times. During this period in his life Max and his cousin Betty lived years together as best friends and constant companions enjoying flying, boating and traveling until her untimely death. A year later at the age of 80 years, Max moved to Sun City West, AZ where he stayed year-round for several years. He enjoyed socializing with neighbors as he drove around with his dog Magic in their golf cart. Max was a great role model, leading by example. He was a very hard worker, and a serious man with a quick sense of humor. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke it was worth listening to. He was respected by others for his honesty and fairness, always willing to help others in need, expecting nothing in return. He will be missed greatly. Max was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Stephen A. Earl; brothers, Lenord B. Earl and George F. Earl; beloved cousin, Betty J. Earl. He is survived by daughters: Marcia Hess (Gary), Maureen Hedlund (Vic), all of Omaha, and Celeste Samuelson (Steve) of Fremont, NE; sons: Greg Earl (Brenda), Brad Earl (Kim), and Marty Earl; daughter-in-law, Cyndee Earl, all of Omaha; brothers, Rex D. Earl (Celeste) and Don Earl (Susie); sisters-in-law, Glenda Earl and Norma Earl; sixteen grandchildren; four great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends Thursday, July 16th from 6pm to 8pm at the West Center Chapel. Private Family Burial at Hillcrest Memorial Park with Military Honors by U.S. Navy Honor Guard and Benson VFW Post 2503. Memorials are suggested to American Cancer Society or Wounded Warrior Project.
HEAFEY-HEAFEY-HOFFMANN DWORAK & CUTLER Mortuaries and Crematories 7805 West Center Road Omaha, Nebraska 68124 (402) 391-3900
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