Max Handley

On November 3rd, 2014, at 88 years of age, Max G. Handley left his wife of 68 years, Virginia to be with God.  Max was born in Berment, IL to James and Anna Mae Handley and was raised with his brother, Butch Handley, in Decatur.  He enlisted in the US Navy, and served for 4 years, spending time in New Jersey, Brazil and Corpus Christi, TX all during WWII.  During this time he trained and operated in radio-radar technology and worked with blimps.  He later returned to Decatur for an additional 7 years, until Lckheed acquired his talents as an instrument technician.  This work led him and his young family to the Antelope Valley, to Palmdale, to become permanent residents.  His final career move was to NASA where he worked in many facets of technology, inclusive of teaching assignments out of the locale.  Max retired after 28 years of dedicated efforts. As a retiree, Max enjoyed wood-carving, golfing, and did badge work, filling orders for many lodges in several states throughout the US.  He was also a member in good standing at the Palmdale Elks Lodge for 38 years and held most of the chairs in that lodge, including Exalted Ruler and Past Exalted Ruler.  Max then went on in further service of his lodge to fill the rank of District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler for the Inland District in this state.  The Paldmale Elks Lodge ritual team bore-up under some 30 years of his direction and advice, often times working through exercises in memorization and public diction.  They were, indeed, a team! Somehow, Max also found time to participate and become a member of the Shriner's and the Local Masonic Center, a membership he cherished and had in common with his brother, Butch. Max and Virginia raised 4 children, Kathryn Burton (Roger), Michael (Donna), Sue (Debbie) and Daniel, who preceded his dad in death in 1993.  Blessings later brought 8 grandchildren, plus another 2 by marriage, and several great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 10:00am, Monday, November 10, 2014 at Chapel of the Valley Mortuary in Palmdale, with graveside services to follow at Desert Lawn Memorial Park also in Palmdale.  The Palmdale Elks Lodge will have an in-lodge closing ceremony in honor of their brother, Max, at their address of 2705 East Avenue Q, Palmdale, directly thereafter. Any donations may be made to the Major Project for crippled children at the Lodge listed above.  Chapel of the Valley Mortuary, Palmdale Directors.