St. George, Utah - Herbert "Max" Hackett lost his battle with leukemia on March 21, 2012 at home surrounded by family. Max was born October 26, 1932 in Maryville, Missouri to Erma and Hazel Hackett.

The family moved to Bellingham, Washington when Max was five due to the depression. Max graduated from Meridian High School and joined the U.S. Navy where he proudly served his country. He married Shirley Jean Garrow and they had one son, Herbert "Max", Jr. They later divorced.

Max worked for the Federal Aviation Administration were he met and married his soul mate and best friend, Betty Donaldson-Core. Together they enjoyed traveling, antique shopping, the Los Angeles Lakers, NASCAR, reading, and especially their grandson, Christopher. After moving to St. George, Utah from Riverside, California, Max loved to take friends and family sight-seeing to see the gorgeous scenery, especially the red rocks around St. George and Zion National Park. Max also looked forward to the Meridian class reunions where he and classmates would reminisce for hours on end. It was a wonderful celebration of childhood friends that remained intact for than 60 years.

Max retired from the Federal Aviation Administration after more than 40 years of dedicated service, where he made many life long friendships. The last years of his life were spent in poor health, but through it all Max was always cheerful and rarely complained. He always provided unconditional love and quiet strength.

Max was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: George, Maurice and Galen; and sisters: Joan and Virginia. He is survived by his wife, Betty of St. George, Utah; son, Max (Monique) of Monterey; grandson, Christopher (mother Anne) Ventura; sisters-in-law: Kathee Cowieson of Riverside and Shirley Hackett of Salem, Oregon; Aunt Marjorie Ware, age 101, of Maryville, Missouri; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, as well as many dear and close friends. Max was deeply loved and will be dearly missed by all.

Graveside services will be held Friday, April 13, 2012 at 12:15 p.m. at the Riverside National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army, American Cancer Society or The Alzheimers Association. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221.