Maxwell Thomas Hamilton, born June 21, 1921 to H.M. Hamilton and Margaret Morrison, passed away on May 30, 2018.   Max graduated from Pickford High School in 1939, attended Michigan State University and Western Michigan University before serving in the U.S. Navy for 3 ½ years.  While in the Navy he met US Navy nurse, Arletta Vera Gonnerman. They were married on September 8, 1945. After completing military service in 1946, Max returned to Pickford, Michigan to manage his father’s grocery store for about six years.  He returned to Western Michigan University to earn a master’s degree in education. He served as a high school principal at Harbor Springs, Michigan for two years and was superintendent of schools at Pickford and Lake Odessa, Michigan. Max finished his career at Fremont, Michigan as superintendent of schools for 27 years. After retirement he took an interim superintendent position at Ludington Public Schools. He was a devoted Christian and a longtime member of several Methodist churches.  He was a charter member of the Lions Club in Fremont, member of the Chamber of Commerce and several other service organizations. He spent time in his later years visiting people in hospitals and nursing homes. People enjoyed his sense of humor and outgoing personality. He never met a stranger! His family and friends loved him dearly and he will be missed by all. His loving wife of 72 years, Arletta Vera Gonnerman Hamilton, preceded him in death on Sept. 2, 2017. She has her own obituary available to view under her own name. He is survived by his four children: James Hamilton (wife Mayela), Judy Fenner (husband Dan), Dave Hamilton (wife Cindy) and Bill Hamilton.  He has 8 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers and to honor Maxwell, donations may be made to either of the following: Hospice, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL  33760 Attention: Foundation; or St. Mark’s Village, 2655 Nebraska Ave., Palm Harbor, FL 34684. On either check please indicate Maxwell Hamilton in the memo line.