Eli Maxwell Hackler

Eli Maxwell (Max) Hackler born April 25, 1929, in the Stanleytown Community, answered the call home and passed to a better life on January 23, 2025. He was the son of the late Ova and Crawford Hackler. 

He was a graduate of Rye Cove High School and entered the US Army. He served in Korea and was about as homesick as he could be. Could not wait to get back to the hills of Virginia, and a certain young lady that he had been writing to. 

Max married his sweetheart and love of his life, Oubra Joan (Palmer) Hackler on August 16, 1952, and raised 2 sons, Keith Hackler (wife, Carol), Terry Hackler (wife, Jana), and a daughter, Sandra Todd (husband, Joey). 

He was of the Baptist Faith and LOVED his Lord Jesus. Nothing made Max happier than singing old gospel, old country, and some of the funniest songs you ever heard. He could play several instruments, guitar, autoharp, harmonica, and Jew's harp. He loved to get together with the Midnight Ramblers. Max worked for Dixie Bearings for many years and then retired from Eastman Chemical. 

He is survived by his Wife Joan, all 3 children, 7 grandchildren and spouses, 8 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. 

The family will receive friends from 10-12p.m., Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at the Gate City Funeral Home. Services will be conducted at 12:00p.m., in the Gene Falin Memorial Chapel of the funeral home with Rev. Wade Childress, Rev. Samuel Newland, and Rev. Howell Hackler officiating. 

Graveside services will follow at the Johnson/Head Cemetery, in Robinette Valley. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Cedar Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 5565 St. Rte 629, Duffield, VA, 24244.

An online guest register is available for the Hackler family at www.gatecityfunerals.com. 

Gate City Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Eli Maxwell (Max) Hackler.