Max Wayne Lankford

Max Wayne Lankford, 87, lifelong resident of Seneca, MO, passed into eternal rest May 13, 2026 at his home surrounded by his family.

Max Wayne Lankford was born September 1, 1938 in New County Missouri the son of Perry Elmer and Lois (Thomas) Lankford. He was the youngest of ten children and was the seventh son of the seventh son. Max graduated from Seneca High School 1956. He served on many boards and committees; FSA, New-Mac election committee, Polling Board in McDonald County and the chairman of the Mama's place mens county affairs decision group (aka Liars Club). Max did not know a stranger and loved to talk about the history of Seneca. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and in his younger days, basketball and softball. He worked Rocketdyne, Teledyne, Saberliner and Premiere Turbine retiring after 50 years. He was a livelong member of the Hottel Springs Church of Christ. Max formerly served as a Deacon, treasure and the building committee.

Max Wayne was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Lois Lankford; brothers and sisters Eugene Lankford, Gilbert (Gib) Lankford, Junior Lankford, Phillip Lankford, Cecil Lankford, Elmer Ray Lankford, Phyllis Rogers, Margaret Ruth Kosted and Thelma Fay Widener; one granddaughter Ashley Helm.

Max Wayne Lankford married Peggy Jones June 21, 1957 in Goodman, MO, and she survives.

Additional survivors include; one son, Randy Lankford, Seneca; two daughters, Rhonda Helm and husband Mike, Seneca and Regina Hembree and husband Jeff, Seneca; Maxwell Helm (Pam), Jami Todd (Jarrod), Joshua Hembree (Lacy), Jacki Duncan (Michael), 12 great-grandchildren and a host of extended family and friends.

The family will receive friends from 10am to 11am, Tuesday, May 19th at the Hottel Springs Church of Christ south of Seneca, MO with funeral services being held at 11 with Bob Hampton officiating. Burial will be in the Thomspon Grove Cemetery with Maxwell Helm, Joshua Hembree, Jarrod Todd, Michael Duncan, Jeffery Todd and Jarret Stines serving as pallbearers; Honorary pallbearers will be Doug Scribner, Adam Scribner, Blake Scribner, Bubba Martin, David Camerer, Gary Drake, Tom Richards and Tom Snyder.

Arrangements under the personal care of Campbell-Biddlcome Funeral Home, Seneca, MO.