Max, known as Gilbert to his family, was born at home in Paige on Jan. 31, 1938, to Max Martin and Frieda Sander Thiele. He was baptized at home by Carl Bear and was confirmed on April 6, 1952, at St. Peter’s Church in Coupland by the Rev. Robert Mohr. His confirmation verse was Ephesians 4:32, “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” He attended Coupland Elementary School and Elgin High School where he was a member of the class of 1956.

He joined the United States Army in December of 1960 and received his honorable discharge as private first class in December of 1963. Max finished his service in the Army Reserves.

Max married Juanice Hoerman at McDade Baptist Church on July 30, 1966. Max was employed with Alcoa for 32 years, where he was an active member of the fire brigade. He was also a member and officer of the Thorndale Volunteer Fire Department.

Max passed away the evening of Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023, in Giddings.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Frieda Thiele; sister, Louise Laningham; brothers-in-law, Alloyed Toll, Dave Laningham and Ed Sharp; nieces, Teneta Barnett and Audrey Chambers; nephews, Max Wayne Laningham, DJ Laningham; and special cousins, Bobby and Alice Mikolajchak.

Max is survived by his wife, Juanice Thiele; children, Karl and Carol Thiele, of Lincoln, Lisa and Jaydie Dixon, of Gatesville, and Gary and Danielle Thiele, of Paige; grandchildren, Chailey and Logan Thomas, of Waco, Kyle Thiele and Natasha Thiele, of Lincoln, Tristen Thiele, of Paige, Toby Proske, of Ledbetter, and Stormy Rosner, of Paige; great-grandson, Jackson Thomas, of Waco; sister, Dora Sharp, of Spring; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Serving as pallbearers were Kyle Thiele, Tristen Thiele, Logan Thomas, Toby Proske, Kevin Barchenger, Billy Beard, Mike Brune, and Mark Winkler. Honorary pallbearers are Richard Glaser, Kevin Laningham, William Mikolajchak, Alloyed Strother and Terrell Weise.

Memorials may be made to Friendship Cemetery Association, St. John Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 21, Thorndale, TX 76577, Thorndale Volunteer Fire Department, or to the charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements by Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Giddings.