Max E. McLaury

Max E. McLaury, 88, of Catawba Island, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, October 12, 2024. Born on August 19, 1936, in Jackson, MI, he was the beloved son of Carl and Vera (Taylor) McLaury. The family relocated to Port Clinton in 1954, where Max's legacy of service and dedication began.
Max is best remembered for his unwavering commitment to the city of Port Clinton. He served as the Director of Safety & Service under three mayors from 1970 until his retirement in 1995. After retirement Max worked at Winke's Landing at the gas dock and store. Before this role, Max was a member of Port Clinton City Council from 1964-68 serving as Council President 1968-69.
In his early career, Max was a partner at Morgan TV & Appliance, worked for Ken Young Carpeting and Decorating, and spent several years with the Wolf family Furniture and Funeral Home businesses. His professional journey was marked by a strong work ethic and a passion for community service.
Max was a member of Peace Lutheran Church, Port Clinton, he was an active member of the Port Clinton Yacht Club, where he served as Commodore in 1981. He was also a dedicated member of the Colonial Club, holding the position of Secretary/Treasurer for over 30 years, and contributed to the Ottawa County Military Affairs Committee.
In his retirement, Max enjoyed driving his golf cart around the Catawba Vineyards, checking in on neighbors, ensuring the buildings were secure, and caring for all of God's creatures along the way. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Max is survived by his wife, Barbara (Garnese), whom he married on December 14, 1991; his sons, William (Maria) McLaury of Chesterfield, VA, and Michael (Robin) McLaury of Streetsboro, OH; his daughters, Susi Gabel, Marsie (Brian Meacham) McLaury, and Casey McLaury, all of Port Clinton; his step-children, Ron (Tammy) Huskey of Gypsum, and step-daughter-in-law, Danelle (Kenny) Gilmore of Port Clinton. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Alex, Veronika, Vickie, Cody (Megan), Max, Gunner, Jesse, Liam (Macey), Kolton, Roseann (Noah), Ronnie, Rebekah (Matt), Aimee (Kevin), Dalton, and Doris; and his great-grandchildren, Henry, Everett, Josephine, Kaia, Koda, Tanner, Colin, Amelia, Mattie, Naomi, and Noah; and his sister, Beverly (Mac) Schard of Houston, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Carol McLaury; his stepson, Daniel Huskey; son-in-law: Mike Gabel, daughter-in-law: Althea McLaury and his infant brother, William McLaury.
Memorial services will be conducted at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Neidecker, Crosser & Priesman Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 1124 Fulton St., Port Clinton, OH, with visitation from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Following the service, there will be a Celebration of Life at the Port Clinton Yacht Club. Memorial contributions may be given to the Humane Society of Ottawa County, 2424 E. Sand Rd., Port Clinton, OH, Stein Hospice, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870, or the donor's choice. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.neideckercrosserpriesman.com.