Max's life began December 2, 1941 in Watervliet. He was a lifetime area resident and graduate of Benton Harbor High School. After high school Max proudly served his country in the United States Navy; US NTC San Diego 591. Max returned to the area after serving his country and worked for Standard Oil repairing pumps.  In the early 1980's he worked as an electrician at D.C. Cook Nuclear Power Plant as well as opening Max's Place at two locations in Coloma where he enjoyed serving his community.  Max retired as an electrician.

Outside of work Max was a member of Electrical Union Local #153, Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #1570, and he served as President of Paw Paw Lake River Ventures Inc. Max supported the Wounded Warrior Project, enjoyed growing tomato plants, watching NASCAR, attending the yearly Navy Reunions, and his most loved activity was fishing.

Max enjoyed the simple things in life especially his time with his grandchildren. His greatest joy was his loving family which includes: his wife of 32 years Ruby; three sons John Kwon of Ocala, FL; Mark HIckmott of Decatur; Matthew Hickmott of Lakeland, FL; and daughter Jackie Launstein of Cantonment, FL; nine grandchildren; three great grandchildren; a brother LeRoy Hickmott of Decatur; and many nieces and nephews.

Max died Saturday, May 14, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo surrounded by his family. He is preceded in death by his parents Ivan and Edith (Hiler) Hickmott, four brothers Richard, Danny, Ivan, and Dee, and his sister Gloria Hickmott. Friends may visit with Max's family Tuesday, May 17 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet where funeral services will be celebrated Wednesday, May 18, at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow in North Shore Memory Gardens. Memorials may be made in Max's memory to American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO) http://www.acco.org/donate/. You are invited to leave a memory for Max's family at hutchinsfuneral.com