Max Raymond Staker

Max R. Staker, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, returned home with honor to his Heavenly Father on January 7, 2026, at Spring Gardens Assisted Living, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease.

Max was born on September 5, 1940, in Ogden, Utah, to Charles Earl and Viola Bowns Staker. He lived his entire life in Taylor, Utah. He was a friend to all and was deeply loved by everyone who knew him.

He met his wife, Connie, shortly before graduating from Weber High School. They were married three years later and raised three children in the home that Max built. Max was a hard worker throughout his life. He helped his father on the family farm while working full time at Massey Ferguson for several years. He later worked at Kimberly-Clark, where he retired after 20 years of dedicated service.

Max proudly served as a member of the Utah Army National Guard and spent many years on the ski patrol at both Snowbasin and Powder Mountain. His family remembers waiting late into the night in patrol rooms while Max searched for lost skiers, gave first aid, and helped save lives.

He faithfully served in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including serving in the bishopric, as a Young Men's counselor, and in many other roles. One of his favorite callings was being a Scout leader, where he loved teaching young men practical skills and life lessons. Max and Connie also served as LDS service missionaries in Ogden and as ordinance workers at the Ogden Temple. Service to others was central to Max's life-he was always willing to help wherever he was needed.

Max was a man of many talents and interests. He loved horses and especially enjoyed horse pack trips with his son, brother, or anyone who wanted to go, exploring remote places few people ever see. He delighted in sharing stories and photos from those adventures. He loved camping and being outdoors, even sleeping in snow caves he expertly built. Max loved skiing and was skilled in both downhill and cross-country skiing, often teaching his children, friends, and family to ski.

Gardening was another great passion of Max's. He always had a large vegetable garden and loved sharing both his produce and his knowledge with others. His yard was a source of pride-many admired his beautiful lawn, which was always among the first to turn green in the spring. Max earned a Master Gardener Certificate and volunteered his skills at the Ogden Temple grounds and the Ogden Botanical Gardens. He also enjoyed teaching gardening classes. Friends and family frequently benefited from his knowledge of home repairs and improvements.

Max was also known for his exceptional wood-carving skills. He had a special talent for turning a simple block of wood into detailed and expressive carvings, often with humor and character. He loved sharing his carvings with family and close friends.

Max is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Connie L. Staker; his children Brent Charles and Jill Staker, Steven Craig and Valerie Staker, and Angela and David Park; along with 20 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Madison Kay Staker, his brother Val Earl Staker, and his parents Charles Earl and Viola Staker.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Spring Gardens Memory Care staff and to A+ Hospice for the compassionate and loving care they provided during his time there. We are deeply grateful for their kindness and support.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on January 16th at the Taylor Stake Center, 2200 S 4300 W Ogden, UT 84401, with a viewing held an hour prior at the same location, starting at 10:00 a.m. Interment at West Weber Cemetery to follow.