Max L. Binkley

Max L. Binkley, age 80, of Rockford, Michigan, was called to his heavenly home on Friday, March 21, 2025. His life was a testament to love, kindness, and unwavering dedication to his family, friends, and community.

Born in Muncie, Indiana, Max moved to Ludington, MI, as a young boy, where he created cherished memories living on Hamlin Lake. His love for the water remained a lifelong passion, and he found great joy in vacationing and spending time on the lake with his loved ones.

Max was a proud graduate of Ludington High School and pursued his love of history at Western Michigan University. Upon graduation, he answered the call to serve his country, earning the rank of 1st Lieutenant in the military. He was highly respected for his leadership, skill, and commitment to his fellow service members.

His professional career led him to human resources, where he thrived in helping others reach their potential. He dedicated many years to Dow Chemical Company, where his integrity and ability to truly see and value people set him apart. Max lived by the principle that everyone deserved to be heard, remembered, and appreciated. His random acts of kindness and volunteer work at senior centers were a reflection of his deep compassion and belief in the power of connection.

Max was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His steady presence and unwavering support were gifts to all who knew him. He found immense joy in his grandchildren, always speaking of them with pride and love. His faith, nurtured early in life by his beloved grandfather, Rev. Earl Miser, was the guiding light of his life. Together with his wife, Alfa, their shared faith served as the foundation for their life and love.

A dedicated bird-watcher, Max delighted in caring for his feathered friends, finding peace and wonder in the natural world.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ava Cornell, and father, Maxwell Call Binkley. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 28 years, Alfa Binkley; his children, Brett Binkley and Sara Binkley-Tow (Jeff) with former spouse Sheryl Reed; his bonus children, Nicolo’ Candela and Cora Candela; his cherished grandchildren, Samantha Tow, Jake Tow, Spencer Binkley (Sydney), Carter Binkley, Sophia Jones, Isaac Jones, Gio’annah Candela, Nicholas Candela, Zachariah Candela, Luccanno Candela, Thea Candela, and Ava Candela; and his great-grandchild, Harrison Binkley.

A service to celebrate Max’s remarkable life will be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at MKD Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Drive NE, Belmont. His bonus son, Nicolo’ R. Candela, will deliver the eulogy. Family and friends may gather from 10-11 a.m. before the service, with a luncheon to follow. A lake burial with immediate family will take place on Hamlin Lake later this summer.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice. Condolences may be shared online on this site. A live stream of the service can be accessed through the “Live Streams and Recordings” link at the top right corner of the page.

Max’s legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering presence will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.