Max &Quot;Ike&Quot; Carr

Max Edgar (Ike) Carr passed away quietly at his Las Cruces home, in the presence of his son, on December 23, 2013, at the age of 94. Max was born on October 29, 1919 to Harry and Ella Carr in Keya Paha County, Nebraska near Springview. When he was six weeks old, the family moved by sleigh to Bassett, Nebraska in Rock County. There, Max grew up and graduated from high school. He participated in several sports, earning several medals in track and field. He also worked at his fathers Ford garage. He studied civil engineering for two years at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. After the attack at Pearl Harbor, Max enlisted in the Army Air Corps where he completed officer training. He was assigned to the 8th Army Air Force - 3rd Division - 13th Combat Wing - 95th Bomb Group - 334th Bomb Squadron, based out of Horham, England. As a B-17 co-pilot, he flew 28 missions out of England over Europe during World War II, often flying as the Squadron Leader, and leading some of the initial raids on Berlin. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross by Gen. Curtis LeMay, the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, and the European theater combat medal. Max donated his uniform to the Rock County Museum. He chose not to discuss his war experiences until later in life. However, he was very proud to have honorably served his country, and thankful to have survived the completion of all of his assigned missions, as the mortality rate for the B-17 crews was quite high. On January 1, 1945, Max married Marie Chicoine, his faithful wife for 38 years. He completed a B.S. degree in architectural engineering at the University of Nebraska (Lincoln) on the G.I. Bill. Then they moved to Columbus, Nebraska where they raised three children and built a life together. They were members of Federated Church. Max worked as a licensed architect with the firm of Reed, Veach, Wurdeman and Associates for over 30 years. He very much enjoyed hunting, golfing and being with family. After Marie's death, Max married a friend and fellow high school alum from Bassett days, Myra Van Vleet, in June 1985. He and Myra enjoyed 22 years together until she died six years ago. From their marriage, Max also gained a much-loved second family. Max is survived by one sister, Voy Alderman of Bassett, NE; daughter Marcia (Bill) Cochran of Rochester, MN; daughter Dianne (Greg) Bristol of Colorado Springs, CO; son Gregory (Angie) Carr of La Union, NM; three grandsons Todd, Eric (Allison), Shane, and granddaughter Carole, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by step-daughter Gail Bennett of Las Cruces, NM; step-daughter Susan (John) Lucas of Melbourne, FL; step-daughter Lora (Tim) Wise of Durango, CO; three step-grandsons Jon (Mariem), Matthew (Theresa), Joseph and step-granddaughter Catie, and two step-great-grandsons. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, two brothers, and both wives. Max had a kind heart, a gentle spirit, and a ready wit. He was dearly loved by family and friends, and will be greatly missed. On January 11, 2014, a memorial service was held in Las Cruces, NM. The family suggests that any memorials be given to the charity of the donors choice in lieu of flowers.