Max Franklin Whitaker, 89 of Nevada, died Wednesday, June 22, 2022, at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames. Max was born January 1, 1933, the son of Elmer T. and Jessie Lucille (Williams) Whitaker. He graduated from Nevada High School in 1951 and worked for Crows Hybrid, Davis and Donellen Lumber and eventually retired from Iowa State University – Chem Stores in 1996. Max enjoyed genealogy and collecting wood planes. He especially loved to spend time with his family. Max is survived by his children, Ardee (Lisa) Whitaker of Colo and Rhonda Melton (Dean Schoppe) of Nevada; his grandchildren: Chris (Jessica) Melton, BJ (Samantha) Whitaker, Katie (Shane) Sweitzer, Brad (Jenny) Melton, Matthew Whitaker and Ashley (DJ) Schmalzried; his great-grandchildren: Bailey Montgomery, Carter, Maggie and Gavin Melton, Jayden and Braxton Schmalzried, Parker Melton, Tucker and Kennedy Whitaker, Isaac, Sam and Georgia Harrington and Adam Sweitzer. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Douglas; his brothers, Everett and Walter; and his sister, Dorothy Thompson. A funeral service will be 2:30 p.m. Monday, June 27, 2022, at Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home (1418 Fawcett Pkwy) in Nevada with Pastor Mike Carey officiating. Family will greet friends beginning at 1 p.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow at the Nevada Municipal Cemetery in Nevada. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Nevada Fire Department in memory of Max. Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.rasmussonfh.com