Max E. Hankley, age 90 of Elwood, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2023 at Middletown Nursing and Rehab Center after a long, full life. He was born February 2, 1933 in Elwood, the son of William R. and Loretta (Bilheimer) Hankley. Max was a 1951 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School and later received certification as an engineer. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War where he stationed in Germany. He worked for Delco Remy in Anderson as an engineer for 41 years and retired in 1992. Max married his soulmate, Lonita “Kay” Gunn, on November 20, 1956, and they shared over 66 years of marriage together.
Max lived his life to the fullest. He enjoyed woodworking, computers and technology, camping, and fishing. Max especially loved riding motorcycles and taking off-road trips in his Jeep through the years. He and Kay attended various churches over the years, and they lived in Sebring, Florida for 30 years in their retirement. Max also was a gun enthusiast and enjoyed regular trips to the Colorado mountains for many years. More than anything, Max will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who will be greatly missed.
Max’s family includes his wife, Kay Hankley of Middletown; two daughters, Loretta “Lori” Paulsen of Alexandria and Shelley (Eric) Jameson of Knightstown; 3 grandchildren, Heather Gardner, David (Michelle) Crammer, and Charley (David) Gossett; 5 great-grandchildren, Isaac, Carter, Kaylee, Ashlyn, and Logan; brother-in-law, Larry Gunn of Elwood; and two sisters-in-law, Darlene (Dave) Dowler and Debbie (Ron) Sigler all of Elwood. Max was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Charlotte Hankley shortly after birth; son-in-law, Dr. Dean Paulsen; and granddaughter’s husband, Robert Gardner.
A memorial service celebrating Max’s life will be held at 3 pm on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Scott Blaylock of Life Church officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the U.S. Army and Elwood V.F.W. Honor Guard at the funeral home. Visitation will be held from 1 to 3 pm prior to the memorial at the funeral home. Burial will take place at a later date in Sunset Cemetery in Elwood. Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.
