Louis “Max” Harelik, age 80, passed away Friday, May 10, 2024 at his family home in Comanche, TX. Born November 5, 1943 to Louis and Betty Harelik, Max was the eldest of his two siblings, Jimmy and Kay. He grew up in Comanche, TX, graduating from Comanche High School where he was a proud member of the marching band and highly accredited member of the Boy Scouts. He could often be found downtown helping at the family business, Harelik’s Department Store.
Max enjoyed tinkering with all things mechanical from an early age but had an interest in ham radio that would remain his entire life. Musical interests and talent followed him to The University of Texas where he played trumpet in the UT marching band. He excelled at piano, and was self-taught with countless instruments including guitar, banjo, mandolin, viola, cello, horns, harmonica and many other instruments that peaked his interests. He would also play in many bands over the years. Later in life, he’d combine his gift for music and mechanics and eye for detail to build and repair numerous stringed instruments, always fascinated by the roles different types of woods play in the look and sound of an instrument, his favorite being American Black Walnut.
Max joined as a member of the United States Air Force in the 1960s where his mechanical interests followed him as an Airforce Weapons System Specialist, mainly working on the weapons for F-14s. Music remained central in his life as he served in the drum and bugle corps, playing the trumpet. He first stationed at Lowery in Denver, followed by Elmendorf Anchorage, Alaska where he bought a 4×4 pickup with a camper and developed his love for outdoors and survivalist preparation, and eventually storm chasing. He finished his tour at West Hampton in New York where he honed his love for racing.
A member of Mensa, his thirst for knowledge would lead him to multiple degrees including psychology, architecture, and education from The University of Texas at Austin and Tarleton State University. His heart for children remained a passion after retiring from teaching through his commitment and contribution with Kings Kids children ministry at his church, Pearl Street Church of Christ where he lead song and served for almost 30 years, after being a long-time member of Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ in Austin, TX prior to moving back home to Comanche in the late 90’s. His servant’s heart would leave no boundaries on helping others, often quietly using whatever gifts he had available to bring joy and relief to those in need.
Of all his accomplishments, accolades, and adventures in life, he most cherished his role as father to his daughters Cassie and Hailie. Always their biggest supporter and provider of love and wisdom, he’d jump at the opportunity to open his wallet (and later his cell phone) to show off pictures of “his girls” and their families. He never ran short of advice and overflowed with unending love and adoration for them. His pride and love magnified for his grandchildren, investing infinite time and providing unconditional support, presence, (many) stories, and encouragement.
Max Harelik was preceded in death by his loving parents, Louis G Harelik and Betty Jim Parks Harelik. He is survived by his daughters and their spouses, Cassie and Eric Hochstatter and Hailie and Brad Hubbard; granddaughters, Caelynn and Maddison Crawford; grandsons, Bentley and Holten Hubbard; brother, Jimmy Haskell Harelik and family; and sister, Elisabeth Kay Morgan and family.
His life was guided first and foremost by the Word of God followed by his father’s “live and let live” principles and buffered by his own “such as life” and “this too shall pass” mottos. His stories, advice, laughter, gentleness, and agape love will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
A memorial will be held at Pearl Street Church of Christ in Comanche, TX at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 08, 2024.
Remembrances can be made to Brownwood Music for donation to (please note in memo) New Horizons music program, a store account that provides funding for instruments, books, and music lessons to children at the ranch. Brownwood Music (325) 646-1365.
