Louis “Max” Harelik, age 80, passed away Friday, May 10, 2024 at his family home in Comanche, TX. Born November 5, 1943 to Louis and Betty Harelik, Max was the eldest of his two siblings, Jimmy and Kay. He grew up in Comanche, TX, graduating from Comanche High School where he was a proud member of the marching band and highly accredited member of the Boy Scouts. He could often be found downtown helping at the family business, Harelik’s Department Store.

Max enjoyed tinkering with all things mechanical from an early age but had an interest in ham radio that would remain his entire life. Musical interests and talent followed him to The University of Texas where he played trumpet in the UT marching band. He excelled at piano, and was self-taught with countless instruments including guitar, banjo, mandolin, viola, cello, horns, harmonica and many other instruments that peaked his interests. He would also play in many bands over the years. Later in life, he’d combine his gift for music and mechanics and eye for detail to build and repair numerous stringed instruments, always fascinated by the roles different types of woods play in the look and sound of an instrument, his favorite being American Black Walnut.