Max Morgan

Max Morgan, 90, died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by family on April 7, 2026, in Boise, ID at St. Alphonsus Hospital.

Max Morgan was born on November 22, 1935, in Savage, North Carolina, to Mildred Bryant and Elton Morgan. After his parents divorced early in his life, Max was raised by his mother with the help of extended family and a remarkable woman named Miss Hattie in Carrsville, Virginia. There, Max attended grade school and spent his boyhood alongside three close friends. Together, the boys became well known in their small town for their spirited adventures—memories Max cherished throughout his life.

In 1946 his mother married Herman Poland, who became his beloved stepfather. Max often spoke of how fortunate he was to be raised by two such caring people. After WW II, the family moved to Danville, Illinois, where Max formed friendships that remained dear to him for the rest of his life. He graduated from Danville High School in 1953 and soon after enlisted in the United States Air Force.

Max trained and served as an aircraft mechanic and was initially stationed in Tripoli, Libya. During his time overseas, he had the opportunity to travel throughout parts of the Mediterranean, including Italy and Crete. While in Tripoli, Max received orders assigning him to Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho—a place he had never heard of, though he imagined it might resemble the Alps. Returning to the United States, he purchased a 1954 Mercury and drove west, arriving in Idaho in January 1956.

Not long after his arrival, Max met Nancy Adale Taylor on a blind date. They quickly fell in love and were married on March 17, 1956. Before marrying, Max was required to obtain permission from his commanding officer, whom he had to convince that he understood the responsibilities of marriage. In later years, Max would admit with a smile that he hadn’t fully grasped it at the time. But he clearly grew into it - Max and Nancy shared 66 years of marriage before her passing in 2022, building a life together in Boise, Idaho.

After leaving the Air Force in the early 1960s, Max continued his work as an aircraft mechanic at Bradley Field, Boise Air, and Morrison Knudsen Aviation. In 1962, he and Nancy welcomed their first daughter, Linda, followed by their second daughter, Kelli, in 1967. In 1969 they purchased the home in which they lived for the remainder of their lives. Shortly thereafter, Max was laid off from Morrison Knudsen. He and Nancy started their own business; Air Equipment Company, specializing in the sale and service of industrial air compressors and pneumatic tools.

They began with just $100 and borrowed tools. Within the first month, the business was robbed and destroyed by fire—an incredibly difficult time compounded by the loss of Nancy’s mother. Despite these hardships, Max and Nancy persevered. Their determination not only saved their home and business, but became a defining family story about resilience, hard work, and faith in the face of adversity. Over time, their business grew, and in the 1980s they purchased land on South Orchard and built a larger shop. Together, Max and Nancy ran Air Equipment Company—Max handling sales and service, and Nancy managing the books—until they sold the business in the 1996.

Though Max possessed an extraordinary work ethic, his greatest devotion was always to his family. Linda and Kelli were raised with a strong sense of right and wrong, unwavering love, and the assurance that their parents would always be there for them. As a family, they appreciated both simple pleasures—like trips to A&W for root beer—and memorable experiences, such as a visit to a dude ranch in Wyoming.

Max had a wide range of interests throughout his life, including Ham radio, snowmobiling, metal detecting, hot-air ballooning, and metal machining. He was among the earliest hot-air balloonists in the Treasure Valley, purchasing his first balloon in 1977. Ballooning brought the family countless adventures, lasting friendships, and stories that would be shared for years to come.

After selling Air Equipment Company, Max built a shop next to their home, where he pursued his lifelong passion for metal machining—a skill he had learned from his stepfather. He restored old hit-and-miss engines, transforming rusted, forgotten machines into beautifully functioning pieces of history. Later, working from blueprints and raw castings Max used his machine tools to craft fully functional miniature engines modeled after those used from the late 1800s to early 1900s. Through this work, he formed many more meaningful friendships.

Max and Nancy’s home, patio and shop became welcoming gathering places for many over the years. He and his family developed close relationships with his neighbors. With characteristic humility, Max often wondered why he had so many friends who cared about him—a question that reflected the quiet kindness and generosity that drew people to him.

After Nancy’s passing in 2022 and as he faced increasing health challenges, including blindness, Max remained in his home with the loving support of his daughters, his son-in-law Craig, neighbors, and friends. In his final months, the family was grateful for the assistance of Caregivers Assisting Retired Elders (C.A.R.E.) and the compassionate care provided by St. Alphonsus ICU.

Max was preceded in death by mother, Mildred Bryant, father, Elton Morgan, bother, Alfred Morgan, stepfather, Herman Poland, sister Jean Poland, and wife, Nancy Morgan.

He is survived by his daughters Linda Watkins (Craig) and Kelli Morgan of Boise, ID and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Max found joy in helping others and expressing gratitude. He was a member of the Boise Elks Lodge #310, had a deep love for his country and a special affection for animals. In Max’s memory, donations may be made to the Idaho Humane Society or to a charity of your choosing. When dining out, Max often paid for the meals of police officers, firefighters, and military personnel. Those wishing to honor him might do the same—or simply extend kindness to someone in need. He believed deeply in paying it forward.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Mark’s Catholic Church at 7960 W. Northview St., Boise on April 23, 2026 at 11 a.m. The burial with eulogy will take place the same day at Dry Creek Cemetery, 9600 W Hill Rd, Boise, section 18; Crestview at 1:00 pm and a Reception will take place at the Morgan family home following the graveside service 2:30 pm- 5:30 pm.

To view a map of Dry Creek Cemetery please visit http://www.drycreekcemetery.com/Plot_map.jpg

The family warmly invites all who knew and loved Max to join them in remembering his life. You are welcome to attend any, or all of the following: funeral mass, the graveside service, and/or the reception at the Morgan family home. Please join them in whichever way you feel comfortable.

Services are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor, Garden City, Idaho. 208-853-3131