Albert "Max" Koehler

January 12, 1935 – December 14, 2025

Albert “Max” Koehler passed peacefully, surrounded by his loving wife and immediate family on December 14, 2025.

Max was a force to be reckoned with—highly respected by all who knew him and leaving a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. A stoic man of few words, his heart was always in the right place. He cared deeply, helped anyone in need, and poured his heart and soul into everything he did. From neighborhood renovation projects—most memorably adding a second story to the family home with the enthusiastic “help” of his children—to his distinguished career as a PhD civil engineer, Max approached every endeavor with determination and excellence. He became a pioneer in offshore oil recovery and exploration at a time when such work was believed to be impossible, particularly in the deep waters of the North Sea. His contributions, including the development of semi-submersible platforms, helped change the future of offshore oil production.

Born Maxie Ray Coy, Max’s life began with adversity as he was placed for adoption at Depelchin Faith Home (now Depelchin Children’s Center). At 18 months old, he was adopted by Mary and Albert Koehler and renamed Albert Max. When he was five years old, his father contracted polio, and Max spent countless hours watching his father’s determined recovery. By age ten, Max was delivering the three local newspapers on his bicycle every day. His unwavering work ethic continued throughout his youth and college years.

Max graduated from Texas A&M University in 1957 with a degree in civil engineering. He served two years in France as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army before returning to Texas A&M to earn both his master’s and doctorate degrees. He went on to teach civil engineering at Ohio Northern University and the University of Missouri at Rolla. In 1966, Max returned to Houston, where he worked for Brown & Root for ten years, followed by Sonat Offshore where he simultaneously served in the dual roles of VP of Engineering and VP of Research and Development until his retirement.

As a highly respected engineer, Max’s greatest pride and accomplishment was his family. In 1962, he married the love of his life, Dorothy Gene Wilson. Together they raised five children who kept life lively and full. Their home was always open to neighborhood kids and friends. The family traveled the world, spent countless fall weekends at Aggie football games, and built a life rooted in faith and love.

Max was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know him. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Dorothy Koehler; their five children: Albert Max and Amber Koehler, Bill and Cam Koehler, Kathleen and Ryan Moroney, Karen and Rodney Faldyn, and Michael and Melinda Koehler; grandchildren—Ryan Thomas Moroney and Tim Krebs, Jonathan and Shelby Moroney, Christopher Watson, Christine and Niran Lakhanpal, Anabelle Koehler, Cate Koehler, William Koehler, Emmy Koehler, Erin Koehler, Max Koehler, and Riley Koehler; and one great-grandchild, Brooks Moroney.

Services will be held at the chapel of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory on Friday, December 19, 2025. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass and reception. Following the reception a private graveside ceremony will be held for the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Max’s honor to Strake Jesuit College Preparatory 8900 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77036.