Max Brown Olinger

Max Brown Olinger, age 92, of Coshocton, passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2024, with his loving family by his side. He was born on August 19, 1931, in Coshocton to the late Alfred and Myrtle (Brown) Olinger.

Max joined the United States Air Force, serving his country proudly (Staff Sergeant and comp controller) from 1951 to 1955. On December 28, 1922, he married Mary Louise (Power) Olinger. He was a proud, lifelong resident of Coshocton, graduating from Coshocton HS and obtaining his BSBA from The Ohio State University. He and his brother Al, owned and operated Olinger Motor Sales for many years.

Max was an excellent athlete from his early days on: he played basketball at CHS and while in the military, JV Basketball and Varsity Soccer at Ohio State, achieved his brown belt in Judo, played in many softball leagues in Coshocton, and tennis at the Coshocton Town & Country Club. He was an avid sports fan of anything Ohio State, Kenyon, The Browns, and later the Bengals. He thrived at Ohio State tailgates surrounded by close friends and family.

Max loved cooking and entertaining for family and friends, symphony, and the creative arts. He also enjoyed landscaping, stamp collecting, decorating, and dancing with his lifelong love Mary Lou to Big Band music. Max played in the Community band for 15 years and was in the Civil Service Commission for 40 years. He served on the Board of the Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum, the Pomerene Center, and the Triple Locks Theater; and was the President of the OSU Alumni Association in Coshocton County. He enjoyed passing time at the Country Club pool and restaurant as well at the Elks. After retirement, he spent many mornings solving the world’s greatest problems with his coffee group.

His greatest joys in life always involved family and friends. He enjoyed countless trips to Florida, Cancun, Annapolis, and the Carolinas. He was one of the oldest members of Grace United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Mary Lou Olinger; three children, Michael Olinger (Debbie) of Canton, Debbie Olinger-Daulton of Dublin, and Diana Olinger and Omalu of Annapolis; Grandchildren David Olinger (Anna Barnes), Ryan Daulton (Rebecca), Nicholas Olinger (Rachael), Dr. Robbie Daulton, Matthew Olinger (Sam Herald), Riley Reichert (Tobias), great granddaughter Emma Olinger and nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, Max is preceded in death by his brother Alfred, Sister-in-law, Dorothy, son-in-law, Jeffery Daulton, and granddaughter Jennifer Daulton.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 2, 2024, from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, hosted by Grace United Methodist Church in the Parlor of the Presbyterian Church, 142 N. 4th St., Coshocton and from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm on Saturday, February 3, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be held in the Chapel of the Presbyterian Church on Saturday at 1:00 pm with Reverand Deb Quillen officiating. Given-Dawson-Paisley Funeral Home is serving the family.

For those who wish, memorial donations may be made in Max’s name to Grace United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1548, Coshocton, Ohio 43812, or to the Coshocton Footlight Players- Triple Locks Theater, 685 N. Whitewoman St., Coshocton, Ohio 43812, or to the Coshocton Community Choir, P. O. Box 1648, Coshocton, Ohio 43812, or to the Coshocton Community Band, P. O. Box 121, Coshocton, Ohio 43812.

An online memorial can be viewed at www.given-dawson-paisleyfh.com.