Max Hanley

Max Hanley, age 65, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, passed away on June 30th, 2022.
Max was born in Ludington, Michigan, to Lyle and Chieko Hanley on May 1, 1957. He attended school at Ludington High School and Baker College in Muskegon, Michigan. On October 12th 1991, Max married JoLynn Dale Hanley in Ludington.
After 25 years of working at Great Lakes Castings Corporation, he took early retirement and landed his dream job at Lake Michigan Carferry where he was able to work in information technology and use his talent and unique eye to photograph and sail on the ships that he was crazy about. Additionally, he dived into the C&O Carferries and the Pere Marquette Railroad archives, fulfilling the great desires of his historian's heart.
A man of many interests, he learned to play the guitar, eventually playing with Marek Music Makers and Simple Gifts groups, as well as playing downtown events alongside his wife JoLynn. Max was a member of the Society for the Preservation of the SS City of Milwaukee, working diligently with other "boat nerds" to restore the ship and move it to its current dock in Manistee, Michigan. Max enjoyed learning everything he could about the Constitution and the history of this country, happy to discuss his opinions with anyone willing to have an open hearted dialogue.
Upon moving to New Mexico, he fulfilled a longtime desire to travel to or live in the Southwest and become a "cowboy," from Roy Rogers pajamas at age five to custom cowboy hats and snake skin boots that he wore the last 12 years. He immediately made friends, joining the Second Amendment task force. He also made deep friendships in online forums with people of similar interests. Typical of Max, while he didn't makes friends easily, when he made a friend, it was for life.
Max was preceded in death by his father Lyle Thomas Hanley, his mother, Chieko Nakai Hanley, his sister Elizabeth Hanley, his brother Louis Hanley and his beloved companion German Shepherd, Mojo.
Max is survived by his wife JoLynn, his children Ryan [Casandra] Hanley, Adrian [Jessica] Hannah, his brother Paul Hanley, his grandson Ethan Hanley, and a very large circle of family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Max's name may be given to a charity of your choice.
A memorial is scheduled at 2 pm on Monday, July 11, 2022, at La Paz-Graham's Memorial Chapel. Arrangements are with La Paz-Graham's Funeral Home 555 West Amador Las Cruces NM, 88005. To sign the online guest book visit www.LaPaz-Grahams.com
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