Max C. Hanson, 93 of Aledo, Illinois, passed away Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Mercer Manor in Aledo. Cremation rites have been accorded, and visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, October 8, at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Aledo. The memorial service will directly follow at 11 a.m. Burial is in Candor Cemetery in rural Seaton, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be left to the church. Fippinger Funeral Home in Aledo is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.fippingerfuneralhome.com.
Max was born on November 26, 1931, in Pinckneyville, Illinois, to Max and Evelyn Carty Hanson. He graduated from Rock Island High School. Max received his bachelor’s degree in education from Southern Illinois University and his master’s degree from Western Illinois University.
He married Ruth Ann “Sooky” Eskew on December 21, 1957, in Rock Island. They were married for 45 years before her passing on March 10, 2003.
Max was employed by the Rock Island School District #41 as a special education teacher at Edison Jr. High and then Franklin Jr. High where he coached wrestling for many years. He was then employed by the Black Hawk Area Special Education District, retiring in 1988.
Max had a special place in his heart for music. He enjoyed writing, playing, and managing his two sons in two different bands, “The Time Bandits” and “The Hanson Brothers.” They were rock and roll and pop music bands that toured and sang throughout the western Illinois area.
Those left to cherish Max’s memory include his son, Karl (Staci) Hanson of Seaton; seven grandchildren, Jesse (Alyssa) Hanson of Danville, Iowa, Noah (Jenna Bushong) Hanson of Kirkwood, Illinois, Carli (Bob) Robison of Washington, Iowa, and Cassie Hanson, Claire Hanson, Cleo Hanson, and Cylie Hanson, all of Seaton; seven great grandchildren with one lovingly expected; two sisters, Linda Edwards of Oak Park, Illinois, and Mary Noble of Oregon; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sooky; son, Jim Hanson; and sister, Harriet Barfield.