Max Laverne Schnake, 76, of Mt. Vernon, passed away at 2:15 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2009, in the Select Specialty Hospital, in Springfield. He was born on October 19, 1932, in Mt. Vernon, the son of L. H. and Golden (Garner) Schnake. Max lived in the Mt. Vernon community his entire life. He was a 1951 graduate of Mt. Vernon High School, a U. S. Army veteran, serving in the Korean Conflict, a member of the Miller Lions Club, and a member of First Baptist Church of Mt. Vernon. On April 22, 1956, he married Gladys Mayberry, in Mt. Vernon. She preceded him in death on March 31, 1977. Max was employed with Carnation Milk Company then Mid-Am Dairy, as a purchasing agent, where he retired in 1992. Max enjoyed his family, his cattle, visiting with people, singing and playing music. He often said, "I've never met a stranger I didn't like." For 31 years, he provided the community with melons, fruits and vegetables in the summer and was referred to as the "Watermelon Man." He was dearly loved by his family and friends and will be missed. Survivors include daughter, Cindy Supiran and her husband, Ernie of Webb City; fiancée and best friend, Wanda Bulow of Springfield; grandchildren, Courtney Winn and her husband, Chris of Springfield, Carrie Faucett of Bentonville, Ark., and Brian Faucett of Springfield, Mo.; great-grandchildren, Owen and Avery Winn of Springfield; two brothers, Wayne Schnake and his wife, Esther of Stotts City, and Robert Schnake and his wife, Debbie of Mt. Vernon; sister Wilma Kennedy of Cassville; and several nieces and nephews. His parents; and brothers, Ivan and Donnie Schnake, also preceded him in death. A funeral service under the direction of Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home, Mt. Vernon, will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 15, 2009, in First Baptist Church of Mt. Vernon, with burial in Mt. Vernon IOOF Cemetery.