Services were held Monday, March 13 at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Harlan with burial in the Harlan Cemetery.

Plumb was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Harlan, Masonic Lodge and Shriners, Harlan Chamber of Commerce, Harlan Industrial Board, Planning and Zoning Commission, was president of the Harlan Golf and Country Club and for 20 years served on the Harlan Building Corporation Board.

He was a farmer, salesman for Booth Enterprises for 13 years and in 1967 purchased Jacobs Tool in Harlan. He was instrumental in the development of JJ Jensen Ball Park in Harlan, and assisted in the creation of Pioneer Park. He was recognized with a Special Appreciation Award by the Harlan Chamber in 1987 for his numerous contributions to the Harlan Community.

Citizen of the Years is an honor bestowed on a person who has continually given to the Harlan and Shelby County community over many years. This year, the honor goes to a couple -- one of whom is no longer with us -- who no doubt have made our community a better place to live.

Tonight we're honoring the late Max Laverne Plumb, and his wife, Evelyn Ann Plumb, as Citizen of the Years.

Max was born in Shelby County on May 12, 1921, and passed away March 9, 2000. He attended school in Tennant until age nine, when his family moved to Harlan. He attended Harlan schools and graduated from Harlan High School in 1940.

After graduation, Max attending welding school in Omaha, then moved to Valejo, California where he worked in the Naval Shipyards as a welder until 1943. He served in the Merchant Marines in the Pacific, and returned to Harlan following World War II. He farmed in Lincoln Township for seven years, and was a salesman for Booth Enterprises for 13.

In 1967 he purchased Jacobs Tool, which he developed into Jacobs Corporation. He continued as president until 1985, at which time his son, Todd, was named president.

Max loved Harlan, and believed in community betterment. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Harlan, Masonic Order, Parian Lodge #321, AT and AM Captain Emeritus of the Harlan T Patrol, Abu Bekr Temple of Sioux City and Harlan Chamber of Commerce.

Max served on the Harlan Industrial Board, Planning and Zoning Commission and was past president of the Harlan Golf and Country Club.

In 1973 he was responsible for acquiring the land for JJ Jensen Park, and he worked diligently to buy the land for the ball park, helping to contribute funds towards lighting, fencing and other equipment. He continued his monetary support of the Harlan Parks and Recreation Commission.

Evelyn was born and grew up in Shelby County, graduating from Harlan High School. She is a member of the First United Methodist Church in Harlan, Demaris Circle, Alpha Delphian Society, Harlan Review Club, Harlan Golf and Country Club and Myrtue Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She enjoys donating time at the Danish Museum in Elk Horn.

Evelyn loves working in her flower gardens, reading and especially the activities of her grandchildren.

Max and Evelyn were married Dec. 25, 1985. The two loved to walk together and agreed to match the city funds to complete the sidewalk path in Pioneer Park. They were supporters of the Shelby County Health Foundation, The Harlan Community Library, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. Together, they loved to travel, and Evelyn says "It was one grand adventure traveling with Max." Max and Evelyn spent winters in their home in Mazatlan, Mexico.

Their children are April and Dick Carleton of Bristol, RI; Annie Laurie and Doug Schweitzer of Des Moines, Todd and Renie Plumb of Harlan, Steve and Judy Jacobsen of Mission Hills, Kan., Jeff and Sandra Jacobsen of Shawnee, Kan. and Jim and Macy Jacobsen of Olathe, Kan. They have 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.