Obituary of Charles Max Fort

Graveside services for Charles "Max" Fort, 67, of Lovington, NM will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at 10:00 am at Antioch Cemetery (East of Lovington on Plains Hwy) with Ty Bean officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Kirby-Smith-Rogers Funeral Home. Max was born on November 9, 1951 in Amarillo, TX to W. H. Jr. and Bennie Lou (Lance) Fort and passed away at his home on May 9, 2019. Max has lived in Lea County since he was three years old. He graduated from LHS in 1969 and attended NMJC receiving his associate's degree. In his earlier years, he was employed by Lea County Electric for several years and for the past eighteen years he has been employed by Leaco. Max did the announcing for the Horse Show before the Lea County Rodeos and he served on the Antioch Cemetery Board and did the organizing for the Memorial Day cleanup and also took care of the cemetery when needed. He attended Cowboy Junction Church. Max was involved in anything the kids or grandkids were participating in and would even have a wild rag to match, face paint and hat ribbons if needed to be a supporter. He was a die-hard Dallas Cowboy fan and an OU fan. He enjoyed his garden, horses and coming to town to the feed store. On Saturdays he always got donuts for the girls and grandkids and every kid and friend got a "Max" nickname. Max embraced the old cowboy way of life, keeping it simple and using manners and courtesy and respect. He was well known for his mustache, cowboy hat and stovepipe boots. He will be greatly missed. Preceding him in death were his parents and one sister: Belinda Eads. Surviving him is his wife, Gina, of the home; his children: Jessica Fort of Lovington , Schylar and husband Montana Farnum of Lovington and Sara and husband Dave Emerick of Pullman, WA; Step-children: Dustin Graham of Socorro, NM and Courtney Graham and husband, Aaron Wilson of Enumclaw, WA; and five grandchildren: Pecos Fort, Cristian Palomo, Briana Tarin, Lucas Tarin and Caroline Emerick; Two Brothers: Bill and wife Jean Ann Fort of Alpine, TX and Ben and wife Debbie Fort of Canyon, TX; other extended family and a host of friends. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lea County Museum or Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame.