Maxwell E Brail II

Maxwell “Max” E. Brail, II., Age 80, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on May 9, 2026 while listening to his favorite gospel hymns.

Max was a graduate of Parkside High School and Western Michigan University with a BBA and a degree in elementary education. For many years he taught drivers training to the youth of Jackson County.  He also taught adults earning their G.E.D. through the Adult Community Education Program. After graduating from WMU, he went to work for the Michigan Center School District teaching third and fourth grade.  He retired in 2002 after 33 years of service.

He enjoyed traveling, home improvement programs, an avid reader, and loved all things historical.  Later in life he loved taking his boat out on the many Michigan inland lakes and especially boating on Lake Michigan. 

Max attended First Baptist Church of Jackson in his youth and later joined Bethel Baptist Church.  After meeting his wife at a singles adult Bible study, Max and Sue attended Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church and in later years attended JaxNaz Church. 

Max is preceded in death by his parents Laura L. and Max E. Brail.  His father-in-law, Henry Klaassen, Jr. and brother-in-law, Kevin Klaassen. 

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Sue (Klaassen) Brail; daughter, Amy Marsh; brother and sister-in-law, Herbert (Chris) Brail; mother-in-law, Claryce Klaassen; sister-in-law, Sally (Steven) Nichols, Linda (Santa) Gubhaju and Renee Klaassen; several nieces and nephews.

A private family burial at Mt. Evergreen Cemetery in Jackson, Michigan has taken place and a Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Watson Funeral Chapel – 2590 Spring Arbor Road, Jackson with Pastor Charles Krueger, officiating.

The service will begin at 11:00am with visitation from 10:00am until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his honor can be made to the Maxwell and Lucille Brail Scholarship Fund through the Jackson College Foundation, or to the Cascades Humane Society of Jackson County.

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