Of Jackson, MI passed away on April 3, 2024 at the age of 73. Max was born on November 1, 1950 in Wyandotte, MI to parents Max E. Waagner Sr and Mary Ellen (Hanlon). He married his wife of 49 years Pamela (Davies) Waagner on June 15, 1974. Max worked for 36 years at Dawn Food Products and retired in 2015. He served 2 years in the U.S. Army (1969-1971). He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Jackson from 1976 to the time of his death. While a member of the church, he established the Acolyte program, the Backpack program and the Fresh Food Initiative. He also introduced the weekly donut fundraiser at the church, where he could be seen making donuts each week and was a member of the Chancel Choir for many years. He was also a District Lay Leader of the Albion District of the United Methodist Church. Max loved to serve in the community as well. He volunteered for Big Bothers Big Sisters, where he mentored 3 boys. He regularly volunteered with Relay for Life over the years as well. He emceed the Ambassador’s dinner at Jackson High School multiple times. Max served as President of Clark Lake Players, where he also directed and performed in several musicals. Max was always ready with a helping hand to anyone that had a need. He loved to help others and was very generous with his time and money. He was a Detroit Tigers fan and enjoyed attending games in person. He also loved music and enjoyed attending concerts with his wife, Pam. He loved his family and was devoted to his wife of nearly 50 years. He enjoyed spending time with his 8 grandchildren and attending their concerts and games. Max is survived by his wife of 49 years Pamela Waagner; children Dawn (Mark) Geoghegan, Eric (Melissa) Waagner, and Jill (Robert) Gibson; grandchildren Ava and Anna Geoghegan, Matthew and Olivia Waagner, and Caleb, Joshua, Jonah, and Alexander Gibson; and siblings Catherine Cargo, Jean (Dave) Arthur, Mary (Miles) Underwood, Karen (Dean) Kowalski, and Ken Waagner. He is preceded in death by his parents Max E Waagner Sr. and Mary Ellen Waagner and brothers Bob Waagner and Jim Sanders. A celebration of Max’s life will be held on Monday, May 6, 2024 at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church, 275 W. Michigan Ave., Jackson, MI with Reverend Tonya Arnesen and Reverend Edward C. Ross officiating with Military Honors. He will be laid to rest at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta Michigan.
