Maxwell Morris Hart II

Maxwell Morris Hart II, 85, of Temple, Texas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 5, 2025. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 14, 2025, at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home.

Born in Brownsville, Texas, on February 13, 1940, Max was the son of Maxwell Morris Hart Sr. and Elizabeth Jeannette (Watson) Hart. A proud Eagle Scout, Max spent his youth in the Boy Scouts, often alongside his father, who served as a Scoutmaster. Those formative years instilled in him a love for learning, leadership, and a fondness for practical jokes—traits he carried throughout his life.

Max’s childhood was full of adventure, moving with his family from the southern tip of Texas to the northern border of Montana. Despite the frequent relocations, he excelled in school and eventually earned a Master’s degree from Baylor University. He dedicated his career to education, becoming a beloved college professor. His most enduring professional legacy was at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas, where he taught for an incredible 48 years. His students will remember him for his intellect, dry humor, and unwavering commitment to their success.

Max raised three sons—Richard, Ronald, and Robert (Rick, Ron, and Bob)—whose childhoods provided him with a lifetime of stories, laughter, and the occasional well-earned nap. After parting ways with their mother, Nancy, Max reunited with Arleen, his high school sweetheart from Plentywood, Montana. Their rekindled romance brought him great joy, and together they cherished their roles as grandparents to Reagan, Elliott, Sydney, and Casey. Arleen’s passing from Parkinson’s disease in 2018 was a profound loss for Max, but he continued to show strength, grace, and a deep capacity for love.

Later that same year, he married Maudine, who remained his devoted partner until the very end. Her constant love and care were a source of great comfort in his final days.

Max was preceded in death by his son, Rick Hart; and his sister, Marnette Click. He is survived by his wife Maudine, his sons Ron and Bob, and his four cherished grandchildren’ as well as his brother, William “Uncle Bill” Hart, whose stories could rival Max’s own.