Max Hancock

Max Gilbert Hancock of Mesa, AZ passed away at home on December 17, 2014 at the age of 86. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Max was born in Thatcher, AZ on June 1, 1928 to John W.W. and Cleora Allred Hancock. His family moved to Safford when he was in elementary school and he graduated from Safford High School where he played basketball, ran track, and excelled in football. Max met his future wife, Angeline Clawson, at the Mickey Mouse Club meeting at the Safford Theater prior to the start of 5th grade. They dated throughout high school and were married in the Mesa Arizona LDS Temple on his birthday in 1947. They were married almost 66 years at the time of Angie's death on April 16, 2013. Upon his graduation from Arizona State College in 1958, Max became a teacher and coach in Gilbert, AZ where he was a positive influence on many students for 19 years. While living in Gilbert, he was elected to the City Council, serving as Vice Mayor for a couple of years in the 1970's. As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he had the opportunity to hold many positions of service. He was involved with the Boy Scouts of America for many years. In later years, he particularly enjoyed serving as an Ordinance Worker in the Mesa AZ Temple. He has a wonderful sense of humor and never knew a stranger. He is survived by his five children: Maxine (Mel) Faraoni, Evelyn (Grant) Harless, Pamela (Steve) Fort, David (Lisa) Hancock, and Christopher Hancock; 22 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters-in-law, Edna Rae Montierth and Olive Clawson; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Angeline Clawson Hancock; parents; sister, Ella Mae Robinson; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. A viewing will be held at the LDS church building located at 1415 E. Southern Avenue in Mesa, AZ from 68 p.m. on Friday, December 26, 2014 and from 9:009:45 a.m. on Saturday, December 27, 2014. Following the viewing on Saturday, a memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. at the same location. Interment will be at 3:30 pm in the Thatcher, AZ Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his name to the LDS Perpetual Education Fund, 15 E. South Temple 2nd Floor East, Salt Lake City, UT 84150.