Cleveland Max Killian passed away peacefully on October 31st, 2024, in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 98. Born on January 17th, 1926, in Safford Arizona.
Max dedicated his life to the practice of law, his family, faith and his community.
Max was a distinguished attorney and the founding partner of Killian, Legg, Nicholas, Fischer, Wirken, Cook and Pew in Mesa Arizona.
Known for his integrity and work ethic, he was the preeminent zoning attorney and one of the oldest practicing lawyers in Arizona until his passing. Known for his excellent legal skills he was admitted to practice law before the Supreme Court of the United States in 1962. Because of his knowledge of agriculture, he represented many farmers and ranchers all over Arizona including the Arizona Farm Bureau in matters of agriculture taxation. His most notable zoning work was the creation of the Dobson Ranch development. Max began his illustrious law career in 1949 after serving honorably in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1946. Early in his law career he and Congressman John J. Rhodes were partners for many years.
Max helped create the 1st State Bank and the Arizona Bank. He served on the board of directors of the Arizona Bank, Security Pacific and Bank of America in Arizona. He served as the chairman of the audit committee for the Arizona Bank.
A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mesa, Arizona. Max served as Bishop of the Mesa 10th Ward, Transient Bishop and managing the Bishops Storehouse on Mesa Drive. He also held numerous callings within the church including a position on the LDS Church’s’ Farm Management Company Board of Directors overseeing all the Farms and Ranches worldwide. He and his wife Gay were called to serve a mission in Argentina to oversee several ranches in that country.
Max’s commitment to service was evident through his involvement with the Mesa Rotary Club, where he was the former president and achieved over 30 years of perfect attendance. He lived the 4-way test.
He was also a proud Eagle Scout with Triple Bronze, Silver, and Gold Palms and a supporter of the Boy Scout movement for many years. He has a camp site named in his honor at Camp Geronimo near Payson. His two sons, four grandsons, five grandsons-in-law and a great grandson are Eagle Scouts.
Max had a passion for farming and ranching, owning one of the largest registered Angus Cattle ranches in Colorado and owning additional farms and ranches across Arizona, New Mexico and Kentucky. He loved farming and in his later years created a partnership with his grandson Nathan Killian to farm cotton in Pinal County. He was also an owner of the Sunny Mesa Citrus Growers along with his father and several east valley farmers. He helped to create the Chandler Cotton Ginning Company.
Max attended Mesa Public Schools and graduated from Mesa High School in 1943. He attended and graduated from the University of Texas in Austin as part of the military V-12 program. He attended Harvard business school and graduated from Law School from the University of Arizona in 1949.
Max is survived by loving sons and daughters-in-law, Mark and Nancy (Hoopes) Killian and David and Carol (Nichols) Killian, along with a legacy of 12 grandchildren and 46 great grandchildren who will miss him dearly. He was proceeded in death by his beloved wife, Gay Killian, his parents, Ray and Jessie Killian, and his sister and brother-in-law Marian and Glenn Stapley.
The viewing will be held at Bunker’s Funeral Garden Chapel 33 North Centennial Way in Mesa, Arizona 85201 on November15th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The funeral service will take place at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mesa Arizona Kimball East Stake Center located at 4640 East Holmes Avenue Mesa, Arizona 85206 on November 16th at 10 a.m.
Interment will follow at the Mesa City Cemetery. Max’s life was a testament to his faith, his love for his family and his dedication to his profession and community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
I greatly admired your Dad. He was one of my mentors when I graduated from Law school in 1960. He took me under his wing and fostered my political career. God’s speed Max!