Max Carr

October 29, 1919 – December 23, 2013

Max Edgar (Ike) Carr passed away quietly at his Las Cruces home, in the presence of his son, on Dec. 23, 2013, at the age of 94. Max was born on Oct. 29, 1919, to Harry and Ella Carr in Keya Paha County, Neb., near Springview. When he was six weeks old, the family moved by sleigh to Bassett, Neb., in Rock County. There, Max grew up and graduated from high school. He participated in several sports and also worked at his father's Ford garage. He studied civil engineering for two years at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.

After the attack at Pearl Harbor, Max enlisted in the Army Air Corps, where he completed officer training. He was assigned to the 8th Army Air Force – 3rd Division – 13th Combat Wing – 95th Bomb Group – 334th Bomb Squadron, based out of Horham, England. As a B-17 co-pilot, he flew 28 missions out of England over Europe during World War II, often flying as the squadron leader, and leading some of the initial raids on Berlin. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross by Gen. Curtis LeMay, the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, and the European theater combat medal. Max donated his uniform to the Rock County Museum. He chose not to discuss his war experiences until later in life. However, he was very proud to have honorably served his country, and thankful to have survived the completion of all of his assigned missions, as the mortality rate for the B-17 crews was quite high.

On Jan. 1, 1945, Max married Marie Chicoine, his faithful wife for 38 years. He completed a B.S. degree in architectural engineering at the University of Nebraska (Lincoln) on the G.I. Bill. Then they moved to Columbus, Neb. where they raised three children and built a life together. They were members of Federated Church. Max worked as a licensed architect with the rm of Reed, Veach, Wurdeman and Associates for more than 30 years. He very much enjoyed hunting, golng and being with family. After Marie's death, Max married a friend and fellow high school alum from Bassett days, Myra Van Vleet, in June 1985. He and Myra enjoyed 22 years together until she died six years ago. From their marriage, Max also gained a much-loved second family.

Max is survived by one sister, Voy Alderman of Bassett, Neb.; daughter Marcia (Bill) Cochran of Rochester, Minn.; daughter Dianne (Greg) Bristol of Colorado Springs, Colo.; son Gregory (Angie) Carr of La Union, N.M.; three grandsons Todd, Eric and Shane, and granddaughter Carole, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by step-daughter Gail Bennett of Las Cruces, N.M.; step-daughter Susan (John) Lucas of Melbourne, Fla.; step-daughter Lora (Tim) Wise of Durango, Colo.; three step-grandsons Jon, Matthew and Joseph, and step-granddaughter Katie, and two step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, two brothers, and both wives.

Max had a kind heart, a gentle spirit, and a ready wit. He was dearly loved by family and friends, and will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Jan. 11 in Las Cruces at La Paz - Graham - Perches Funeral Home. A second memorial service and Honor Guard graveside military service will be held in Columbus, Neb., at a later date, when he will be laid to rest next to his rst wife, Marie. The family suggests that any memorials be given to the charity of the donor's choice in lieu of owers.

Las Cruces Sun-News (NM) - Sunday, January 5, 2014