Kenneth Haws

With the passing of Kenneth Max Haws, another member of "The Greatest Generation" now belongs to the ages. Born on May 16, 1924, Max Haws was barely 18 years old when he answered his nation's call to defend our freedoms by enlisting in the United States Navy in 1942. Receiving his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1946, Max went to work for his father at the family-owned commercial roofing company, Haws Roofing, in Tyler. He spent more than forty years as owner/operator of Haws roofing, before retiring and selling the firm to his son, Matt Haws, and son-in-law, Earl O'Quinn. Max, and his bride of 61 years, the former Mary Brem, of Tyler, made the most of their retirement years by travelling extensively. In March of 2008, Mary preceded Max in death. He lived the last six years of his life with his daughter and son-in-law, Melody and Jim Cockrell, in Mansfield, where he became active with the Mansfield Church of Christ, and acquired many close friends. In June of 2012, Max Haws was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and on July, 12, 2012, he passed away peacefully with family by his side. Survivors include two daughters, Melinda and husband, Earl O'Quinn, of Tyler; Melody and husband, Jim Cockrell, of Mansfield; and one son, Matthew, and wife Rhonda, of Tyler. Also surviving are ten grandchildren, and numerous great grandchildren.