Max L. Walker, 85, of Carthage, passed away at the Good Samaritan Home at 2:45 PM Thursday, February 25, 2021.

Max was born October 16, 1935, the son of Cecil and Zoa (Gable) Walker in Hancock County, Illinois.  He graduated from Carthage High School in 1953 where he was an All-State tackle for the Blueboys.  He helped on the family farm and later worked for the Illinois State Highway Department.  On December 8, 1957 he was united in marriage to Marilyn Ward at the First Christian Church in Carthage.  She survives.  In 1970 Max became a proud member the Operating Engineers Local 649.  He loved the outdoors, trapping, hunting, fishing and mushrooming.

Max is survived by his wife, Marilyn, of Carthage; three children, Bruce (Susan) Walker of Quincy, Brad (Julie) Walker of Monroe City, Missouri and Cheryl Knuffman of Hamilton; grandchildren, Shawn, Christopher and Danielle Brown, Tiffany Walker-Paul, Macy (Tanner) Smith, Nick (Ben) Knuffman-Brewer and Nathan (Carman) Knuffman; great grandchildren, Gracelyn and Hadleigh Smith; and two sisters, Arlene (Jim) O’Leary of Phoenix, Arizona and Yvonne (Ed) Hall of Mt. Zion, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Roy and Leo Walker; and a sister, Louise Williams.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 – 8:00 P.M. Wednesday evening, March 3, 2021, at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage with family meeting friends from 6:00 – 8:00 PM.  Private family services will be held at a later date.  Memorials may be directed to the Operating Engineers Local 649 Scholarship Fund.  Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.