Max Hungerford

Max’s life began on October 2, 1914 in Dowagiac, the son of Stephen and Lulu (Goodrich) Hungerford. He was united in marriage to the former Elma L. Martin on June 21, 1940 in Dowagiac. Max was best known for being the creator of the Amigo tractor and founder of DEMCO, which manufactured the tractor in Dowagiac. DEMCO was sold to AMF in Iowa where Max worked as a design engineer for Wheel Horse. After retirement he became a consultant for Alpha Resources in Stevensville. There have been seven Amigo Reunions. Amigo owners from across the region came to meet Max and have their tractors autographed. He also was a contractor, a farmer and inventor. Max’s mind was sharp and clear nearly up to the end of his life. He was a member and trustee of the First Christian Church in Dowagiac and greatly responsible along with Janet Moore for the beautiful stained glass windows which adorn the church. Max was also a life member of the Peninsular Lodge # 10 F & AM. His greatest joy was his family which includes his daughter Sheryl Benkert of Dowagiac, grandchildren Dr. Todd (Heidi) Benkert of Merrillville, IN, Chad (Dana) Benkert of Dowagiac, Sheri (Ben) Baker of St. Joseph; adopted grandchildren Takashi Matsushima and Keiko Nakao of Japan; great grandchildren Kylie, Ashley, Jeremy, Max, Kaitlin and Bailey Benkert, and Connor Baker; brother Rex Hungerford of CA; special friends Linetta Smith and Norman Burns, and several nieces and nephews. Max passed away on Tuesday January 29, 2013 at the Timbers of Cass County. He is preceded in death by his wife of 66 years Elma in 2006, and siblings Clara Davis, Marion Hungerford, Kathryn Titus, Thelma Graham, Lila Woodhouse, and Dorothy Woodhouse. His family will gather with friends on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Yazel & Clark Chapel where Masonic Rites will be conducted at 7 p.m. His funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the First Christian Church in Dowagiac with visitation one hour prior. He will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions in Max’s name may be directed to the ACTION Ministry Center (301 Main Street; Dowagiac, MI. 49047). Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Max at www.yazel-clark.com.