Max Cantu Segrets

Max is survived by his wife, Mary Jane Segrets of Austin, TX, and his children, Vernoie Segrets and Marc Hobbs of Austin, TX, Christopher and Yolanda Segrets of Austin, TX, and Stephen and Molly Segrets of Leander, TX. He is also survived by his eleven grandchildren: Brandi, Talise and Max Segrets, Christopher Welch, Drew, Mitch, and Jeff Hobbs, and Heriberto, Cindy, Kevin and Luis Suarez. He is preceded in death by his sisters, Rosa Maria Cmielewski and Virginia Alonzo-Tijerina, and his brother, Sonny "Freckles" Torres. He is survived by his brothers, Anthony Cmielewski, James Martin, and Freddy Cmielewski, and his sister, Lottie Arizmendi.

Max was born on March 15, 1943 in San Antonio, TX to William and Guadalupe Segrets. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Jane Peña, in 1961 and moved to Austin, TX in 1973. They were married 53 years. Max owned his own business as a distributer of Mother's Cookies for almost 30 years. He was affectionately known as the "Mother Trucker", riding the streets of Austin delivering cookies to major grocery stores and bartering for such goodies as Blue Bell ice cream, Mrs. Baird's bread and even his dreaded nemesis, Oreo cookies.

In 1988 the couple opened their hearts and their home to raise Jimmy Ramirez as a fourth child. Max and Mary Jane raised these four children and set about teaching them the compassion, hard work, and skill that would forge their eventual success in their personal careers. His children remember him as a driven, brilliant man (he was skipped forward in school three times), and a patient father who encouraged them to pursue their goals. Max's family will always remember his stubbornness and sense of humor, along with his heart of gold. He loved animals, especially dogs. He was known to take in almost any stray that needed a home, including people too. Throughout the years various family members would stay with Max and Mary Jane for a few days, a few months or even a few years. He always made his home available for shelter.

Max was also known as an excellent cook and feeder of many. He was famous for going into the refrigerator and pantry, when the rest of the family complained that there was nothing to eat, and within 30 minutes he would have served a complete and hearty meal. He kept a well-stocked kitchen and could throw together a meal that would hold its own against any fine restaurant. He enjoyed watching people consume his creations and made sure you left his home satisfied.

He enjoyed music and often played the game of "name that tune" with anyone who would listen. He prided himself on his ability to not only name the tune, but also the artist and release date of the hit. He loved listening to blues music; even as a child he would sneak the radio and a flashlight under the covers after bedtime to hear the forbidden soul music of the 1940s. He was an avid reader and enjoyed murder mysteries and epic tales (and sometimes a cheesy romance novel). He could read an entire novel in only a few days time. He also enjoyed seeing movies and watching television; he loved detective shows, a good western, and the cooking channel. He would often fall asleep watching television and listening to the Star Spangled Banner.

Max passed away peacefully after a long battle with diabetes, renal failure and congestive heart failure. He will be remembered as a strong, sensitive, kind-hearted, generous and playful man. One of his last wishes was to thank his wife and many friends and family members that visited and spent time with him. He was especially grateful for the loving care and support given by Tony Peña, his caregiver for his last three years.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2015, at 1:30 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection (2200 Justin Lane Austin, TX 78757).

Father Billy Tweedie will be officiating. All are welcome to attend a reception to celebrate Max's life in his home at 2300 Rogge Lane, Austin, TX 78723 immediately following the church service. You may sign the online visitor's page at http://www.wcfish.com/