Max loved reading. At the age of ten while browsing at the library, he came across a book called West Point Today. He read it and set his sights on West Point and a military career. In 1947 he received an appointment to the United States Military Academy. He graduated in June 1951 and married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Lee Anspach, the next day.
During his 30 years of active duty service, Max was assigned to four overseas and six stateside posts. He earned two Masters degrees and graduated from both the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the U.S. Army War College.
Max received numerous military medals and awards including the Legion of Merit (one oak leaf cluster) and the Bronze Star Medal with the “V” Device (two oak leaf clusters, Viet Nam).
After retirement from active duty Max managed major construction projects for Parsons before retiring a second time in 1991. Then he and Joyce moved to Austin where they enjoyed retired life until Joyce’s death in 1995. In 1997, he married Carolyn Joy De Jong-Richter who brought him much love and happiness.
Max, a man with curiosity and a strong faith, lived life fully with humor and grace. His wide-ranging interests included mediating at the Austin Dispute Resolution Center, genealogy, traveling, and dancing. Max had no equal and will be greatly missed, but his spirit will live on in all who knew him.
Max is survived by his wife, Carolyn; daughter, Marcia (Jeffry) Brinkley; sons, Gerald (Janet); David (Beverley); and Robert; stepchildren, Timothy and Lora Richter. Eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren also survive him.
Contributions may be sent to Swan Songs at 4403 Lareina Dr., Austin, TX 78745, Hospice Austin at 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78759, tllc at 9508 Great Hills Trail, Austin, TX 78759 or to a charity of your choice.
Family visitation will be held on February 3, 2014 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm followed by an informal eulogy service from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m at Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills on Anderson Mill Road in Austin. A funeral service will be held at Triumphant Love Lutheran Church on February 4, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. Immediately following will be a reception at the church until 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow the reception at Cook-Walden Capital Parks Cemetery off of N. IH 35 in Pflugerville, Texas.
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