As a Major in the Chesapeake Sheriff's Office, and an executive council member of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, I was afforded many wonderful encounters with Max. But my absolute most favorite was flying with him to one of the Special Olympic Conferences. That's where I was introduced to Max's awesome sense of humor. I'll admit that flying isn't one of my favorite things to do, so there is always a tad bit of anxiety to deal with every time. But this time I was seated next to Max, when he broke out into his 3 Stooges impersonation of us experiencing trouble with our plane, and as he put it, "We were going down!" I will never forget how much he made me laugh that day and the smile he always had on his face. Thank you Max Everton for being absolutely amazing!! Rest in Peace my friend, Special Olympics will have an irreplaceable void to fill with you gone here on earth, but heaven gained a top notch athlete. 

My name is Susan Brewington and I am Patty Phillips' sister. Patty went to CEL and graduated in 1986. There is a picture in her room of her graduating class  and on the bottom it reads that Max Everton happened to be one of the ushers for her class.  If Max ever attended a dance at Bow Creek than I am certain that Patty and Max new each other. I am very sorry for your loss. Max appeared to be an awesome person. Warmest regards to you and your family.

I wrote up a poem and I hope everyone enjoys this

My Wish For You

I wish I could give you many more years.
I wish I could erase away all of your tears.

I want to take away all of your pain.
I want to give you sunshine in the rain.

May each new day be a perfect gift. 
May love surround you, may your spirits lift.

If someone had to describe you, so many words come to mind.
Beauty and grace, a heart so kind.

You radiate warmth like a blazing fire.
You are courage and wisdom. You truly inspire.

You attract like a magnet beautiful things.
You sparkle and shine like a diamond ring.

You light up a room when you walk in.
If someone feels sad you can make them grin.

You are elegant and charming. You know right from wrong.
You are the melody from a beautiful love song.

You are a breath of fresh air on a hot summer's night.
When there is darkness, you turn on the light.

I do not want these words to make you cry.
I do not want to ever say goodbye.

I believe miracles really do come true.
No one deserves one more than you.

Please know how many lives you touch.
These words are my present. You are loved so much.

I hope you everyone likes this poem because I made it up just for Max and for everyone to enjoy.


Having been in the Special Olympics community 30 + years. One of the first people we , my wife my daughter Dana and myself met was Max. Over the years Max and Dana had a strong competitive Spirit together. Max was always willing to lend a hand. Always got phone calls from Max telling us what was going on with Special Olympics this week. Max was a competitor. Always striving to be the best. His Spirit was undeniable. Max embodied all the Special Olympics is. Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Max was Brave Max never faltered Max never gave up. He was a great Ambassador for Special Olympics internationally and nationally. The torch run was his life it meant everything to him. Max was a good man and I am proud to call him my friend

A Tribute to a Torch Runner 
I had the honor of becoming a friend of Max Everton through the Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Virginia Special Olympics. Max brought a new understanding and solidified my commitment to the cause, inspired by his energy and enthusiasm. 
Max and I were chosen to travel to Anchorage Alaska in 2001, representing the Law Enforcement Torch Run in the State of Virginia. The World Winter Games were being held there. 
 It’s also about inclusion. The athletes are choosing to include us in their world, and it feels wonderful. They choose to allow us a place in their community and they show us our acceptance by a hug or hand shake. I have this vision of Max carrying a torch burning brightly as he approaches the gates of Heaven. He is welcomed there by none other than Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the founder of the Special Olympics movement. She is smiling as she always seemed to be, looking at Max with loving eyes. She utters a question in that Massachusetts dialect “and who might you be.” Max smiles and replies “I am a torch runner.” Yes, you are Max, yes you are.


I supported Max back in 2007 for a few years when he worked at Pizza Hut.  He always was so passionate about the Torch run!  I remember him being SO proud of Pzza day at school, which was Wednesday, a very busy day for him!  Max taught me more than I ever taught him.  He was such a beautiful soul and I was honored to be a part of his care team.  I am so pleased that you are now at peace and resting in the arms of Jesus.

My condolences to Max's family and friends.  I have very fond memories of Max and the Special Olympics Torch Run.  He was so proud to be running with the Va. Beach Police officers.  

Max was a very good buddy to my brother, John Polfus. No matter where John was he had to make sure he called his buddy at 3 o’clock every day. Max was a sweet and supportive friend to John. When Max found out that John was going to be moving, he made sure he had movers calling my parents to help them. LOL And if we did not like the show that was on at night , John John said he would call Max and Max would call the TV station for us. Max was always there to help!

Max with his cousin, Caprice, celebrating their paternal grandfather, Melvin T. Everton, Sr.'s, 80th birthday (October, 1980)

Max with his parents, Melvin and Rose. (maybe 1979?)

Max with his cousin, Caprice.  Back row (L-R) his dad, Melvin, Jr., his paternal grandfather, Melvin, Sr., his mom, Rose, his paternal grandmother, Lucy, his Aunt Sadie and Uncle Johnnie (1967?)

Easter with his Mom and Dad, Melvin and Rose Everton (1966?)

Max with his mom and dad, Melvin and Rose Everton (1964)

Virginia Law Enforcement Torch Run

Visitation

Funeral Mass

Melvin T. Everton Jr.

Rose Yachup Everton

Dennis Jones

Elizabeth Jones

Jodie Carlin (Joe)

Clayton Jones (Robyn)

Caprice Murphy

Deborah and Sam Apperson

Smith & Williams Funeral Home/Kempsville

Michelle Anaya, Virginia State Police

Brad Kirby, Chesapeake Sheriff's Office

Joe Carroll, Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority Police

OBITUARY

Max John Everton

7 October, 1963 – 9 February, 2020

Smith & Williams Funeral Home/Kempsville

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