Max Lare

Max Leroy Lare June 16, 1934 – May 25, 2023
Max L. Lare, “Nebraska Max”, 88 of Farmington, NM passed away peacefully in the adobe home he built surrounded by family on May 25, 2023.
He was born on June 16, 1934, in Auburn, Nebraska to Roy and Maurine Lare. He spent his childhood in Brock, Nebraska until the family moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado. They eventually made their way to a farm in Dexter, New Mexico. Max graduated from Dexter High School in 1953 After high school, he attended UNM and earned a degree in Anthropology. He attended archaeological excavations throughout the state. He later became a social worker for the State of New Mexico and was assigned to Shiprock. There he met the love of his life, Joann. They married in 1966 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Farmington and began their life together. Max and Joann built a beautiful, southwestern adobe home and raised their five children there. He eventually became a pipefitter for the Local 412 Union and retired after many years.
Max was a man of many talents, interests and accomplishments. He was intelligent, inquisitive, cultured, creative, and witty. He was a photographer and took many wonderful and treasured photographs throughout his life. He composed songs and poetry, both serious and humorous. He played guitar and would sing his tunes at family gatherings. When they were young and newlywed, him and Joann would embark on adventures every weekend, exploring new places and visiting family and friends. When they started their family, they continued this lifestyle and would always take the route less traveled just to see something new. Max was a Noah’s Ark enthusiast, a treasure hunter, book lover, history buff, storyteller and an ice cream fanatic. He was mechanically skilled, knew carpentry and was a welder and pipefitter. He could fix or create anything. He was always tinkering in his shop and inventing things. Whatever project he was involved in was never boring or bland, it had the “Max Touch.” It simply had to be unique just like he was.
Max was loved and admired by all. He had numerous friends from all races, cultures and ethnic backgrounds. His greatest accomplishment was his family. He left us a rich legacy full of cherished memories and silly sayings. He maintained his quirky sense of humor until the very end.
Max was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Maurine Lare, his brother Boyd Lare and his In-Laws Raymond and Senovia Dobbs.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Lenora Joann Lare, his five children, Aaron (Shelley), Monte, Kelsey (Abby), Brandon (Cheryl) and Andrea “Chopa” Atwood (Mark.) He has 18 grandchildren. Jerham Lare (Amanda), Laisha Gibson (James), Javen, Veda, Grette, Valen, Avery, Kateri, Lenora, Rhian, Vance, Asira, Brent and Bridget Lare, Prizm Cohoe (Trent), Chance Cohoe, Harli Ransom (Brandon) and Connice Atwood. He has 2 great-grandchildren and 2 on the way. He also has a large extended family of in-laws, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Our family has lost our patriarch. Our “grander than life” husband, dad and grandpa has left a huge hole in the fabric of our family. He is greatly missed. Whenever anyone would help Max, he would praise them by saying “You have earned everlasting glory.” Well Dad...you have earned Everlasting Glory.
Services will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, June 23, 2023. Rosary at 9:30am, Mass of Christian Burial 10am. Max will be laid to rest at the Sacred Heart Columbarium. Reception immediately following at the Family Center.