Max Joe Ashley was born on June 24, 1936, in Anadarko to Mable Douglas and passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Burford Manor in Davis, OK, at the age of 85 years, 10 months and 25 days.

Max was born and raised in Anadarko, OK. He was named after the famous boxing match between Max Schmeling and Joe Louis in 1936. The "Joe" name has been passed down for three generations in his family. He attended school in Anadarko, OK. He farmed with his grandparents. At the age of 15, Max enlisted in the United States Army on July 27th, 1951. He served in the Army for four and a half years. He was a Combat Engineer and a Squad Leader Petty Officer 3rd Class. He also fought in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on January 9th, 1956. The next day, he enlisted in the United States Navy on January 10th, 1956. He was on a gearing-class destroyer called the USS William M. Wood. He was honorably discharged from the US Navy on September 3rd, 1959 after serving three and a half years.

He moved to Chickasha and worked at Fritcher Furniture Company and a mechanic shop for many years.  He was married a few times and had 3 sons. He moved himself and his family to Ft. Cobb Lake. Once his children moved away from home, he moved to Hydro, OK to be closer to his son Randy and his family. He later moved to Weatherford just a block away from his son Randy. Max worked for Winn Car Wash for approximately 5 years retiring in 2010. Most people knew him from the car wash. Max moved to Burford Manor Nursing Home in Davis, OK, where his granddaughter worked at in April 2021.

He loved fishing, being outside and active, football, John Wayne movies, NASCAR races, casinos and coffee.

Max had a smile that would like up the room. He loved his son Randy very much as well as his daughter in law Peggy as if she was his own child. He adored his grandchildren very much and his great grandchildren even more. His family loved him so very much. He was the best father, grandfather and father in law. Max will be greatly missed and he was so deeply loved by his family.

Max is survived by his daughter in law, Peggy Ashley of Weatherford; one granddaughter, Lacey Ashley and fiancé, Curtis Brooks of Roff; one grandson, JD Yandell and wife, Joni of Summerfield; seven great grandchildren, Carson, Greyson, Tori, Michael, Carley, Gunner and Gracelynn. He was preceded in death by his son, Randy Ashley and great granddaughter, Hailey Yandell