Max Littell, prominent Roswell citizen, real estate broker and businessman, died Tuesday.

Littell, 85, was one of the co-founders of the International UFO Museum and Research Center.

He was instrumental in the growth of the museum and the driving force in the location of the center in the remodeled Plains Theater in downtown Roswell, stated a news media release.

Sandy James, who worked the past four years with Littell at the International UFO Museum, said Glenn Dennis and Walter Haut contacted Littell while searching for an appropriate downtown location when they were first establishing the museum.

That was when Littell became a part of the 10-year history of the UFOMRC. He was actively involved with the business end of it.

When the museum outgrew its first location on Main Street, Littell was instrumental in the museum’s move to the Plains Theater, a few blocks south of its original location on Main Street.

Haut and Dennis, co-founders of the museum with Littell, expressed sorrow at news of his death.

“ All three of us go back more than 50 years together,” said Dennis.

The board of directors, volunteers, staff and advisors joined them in saying he will be missed.

“The museum and the UFO community have lost a major advocate,” said Dennis.

James, who worked with him, said Littell was “a wonderful friend.”

Littell was born in Superior, Neb., and he moved to Roswell with his family when he was 12 years old.

Littell’s wife, Jean Newell Littell, died October 1988. They had two children, Dr. Larry Littell of Watertown, N.Y., and Lana Boswell and her husband, Danny, of Roswell. Also living in Roswell is a nephew, Bruce Rhodes.

A Masonic graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. at South Park Cemetery Monday, followed by a memorial service at 4 p.m. at the first Presbyterian Church.

• Story originally published by:
Roswell Daily Record / NM | Jan Girand - Oct 18.01