Max C. Poindexter, 83, of South Haven, Michigan, passed away peacefully at his home on November 16, 2025. Born on September 5, 1942, to the late Myles and Hazel (Dusenbury) Poindexter, Max lived a rich and vibrant life defined by hard work, deep faith, and an unmistakable cowboy spirit.
Max was one of the last true classic cowboys. A rodeo man through and through, he rode bucking broncs and bulls, competed in team roping, and raced standardbred horses. His love for horses stayed with him throughout his life, and he spent many years as a skilled farrier. He raised chickens, rabbits, pigeons, and a lifetime’s worth of stories that reflected his grit, humor, and heart.
He worked for many years at the Everett Piano Company as a talented piano tuner, and later as a laborer with the Laborers Union at the Cook Nuclear Plant. Gifted with music, he was a strong, heartfelt singer who loved to “hambone” and shared countless songs and poems he wrote himself. A natural entrepreneur, Max owned Inland Marine Construction, building docks and seawalls along the shores of Lake Michigan with the pride and craftsmanship that marked everything he touched.
Max’s optimism was one of his greatest strengths. He always carried a gentle smile and a positive word, lifting the spirits of everyone he met. In his later years, he worked as a delivery driver for True Blue Farms and befriended the Amish community—driving families, hauling horses, and offering help wherever it was needed.
Max was preceded in death by his parents and by his beloved wife of 59 years, Kathy. He is survived by his children: Shelly (Dennis) Hartmann of South Haven, Max Poindexter II (Stacy Denton) of South Haven, and Hillary (Matt) Fisher of South Haven. He was deeply proud of his grandchildren: Ashley Hartmann (Troy Kobrick), Angela Rouse, Alicia (Paul) Russell, Kara Hartmann, Toni (Josh) Blonde, Lindsay (Dave) Homister, Courtney (Wyatt) Neel, Max (Liza) Poindexter III, Nick Fisher, and Bridget Poindexter. Max was also blessed with 12 great-grandchildren, with one more arriving in the spring, anticipated with love by Courtney and Wyatt.
He is also survived by his siblings, Bill Poindexter, Janice Pratt, and Nancy (Chuck) Knapp; many nieces and nephews; and his True Blue family. He enjoyed his Cowboy Church fellowship and the close friends he shared every Sunday morning with.
Max will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, his cowboy toughness, his musical heart, and the wisdom he shared so freely. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the stories he told, and the love he gave so generously.
A Celebration of Life will be held on December 6th, 2025, at Double “N” Ranch, 13299 64th Street, South Haven, MI.
Visitation and food will be from 1:00–1:45 PM, followed by the service at 2:00 PM.
To those who choose to leave a memory or condolence please visit;www.starksfamilyfh.com Arrangements are entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services . 269-637-0333
Service Details
Visitation
When
December 6th, 2025 1:00pm – 1:45pm
Where
Double N Ranch
Address
13299 64th St.
South Haven , Michigan 49090
Service
When
December 6th, 2025 2:00pm
Where
Double N Ranch
Address
13299 64th St.
South Haven , Michigan 49090
Posted On: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 3:22 PM
