Max Wendell Minear

Max Wendell Minear (100) was born in Maxwell, Iowa, and died peacefully on May 1, 2025, in Orange City, Florida.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, decorated veteran, and lifelong learner who lived a full life marked by courage, service, and travel.

Max grew up in rural Iowa, the son of Glen and Alice (Hatfield) Minear, and graduated from Maxwell High School in 1943. Just days later, he was inducted into the U.S. Army. After initial service in the Infantry, he transferred to the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he became a ball turret gunner on a B-24 bomber with the 8th Air Force, flying combat missions over Germany during World War II.

In September 1946, Max married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Roberta Sesker, beginning a remarkable partnership that spanned more than seven decades. That same month, he enrolled at the University of Iowa, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Commerce and an ROTC commission. He reentered military service in 1950 as a commissioned officer in the newly formed U.S. Air Force, serving as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer. Over the next 17 years, Max and Shirley raised their family while moving from base to base around the country, including overseas assignments in Iceland and Vietnam. He retired from the Air Force in 1967 with the rank of Major.

Following his military career, Max continued his work in public service. He worked for Pan American World Airways as a Pad Safety Supervisor at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, supporting America's space program during the Apollo era. Later, he joined the State of Florida as a Safety Standards Research Specialist until his retirement in 1985.

With retirement came a new chapter of travel and adventure. Max and Shirley crisscrossed the globe together, visiting more than 94 countries by land and sea. Their shared love of discovery, history, and culture brought them joy and lifelong memories-often aboard Holland America cruises or road-tripping across the U.S. Max enjoyed golfing and sailing, and he taught safe boating courses through the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. He remained remarkably active and intellectually engaged into his final year-he loved to read, and he worked out on the elliptical machine three to four times a week until just weeks before his passing.

Max was a committed volunteer throughout his life. He served with Meals on Wheels-continuing deliveries until the age of 99-and gave generously of his time at the Orange County Public Library and the John Knox Village retirement community.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley; their three children, Mark Minear, Douglas Minear, and Deborah Humphries; his brother, Barry Minear; his parents, Glen and Alice Minear; his stepmother, Vada Minear; and granddaughter-in-law, Ashley Minear.

Giving thanks for a long life lived well are his daughters-in-law, Jo-Ann (Bernie) Bunce and Emma Dixon, and his son-in-law, Buddy Humphries; grandsons, Sean (Tracie) Minear, Jeff (Erin) Humphries, Matthew Minear, Wade (Claire) Humphries, Andrew (Indhira) Minear, and Lucas Dixon-Minear; eleven great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A memorial service with military honors was held at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, where he is laid to rest beside his beloved wife and partner, Shirley.