Max was born on April 8, 1942 in San Antonio, Texas to Max Albert Derden Sr. and Nan Hearne Beverley Derden. He grew up in the Methodist church and graduated in 1960 from Ray High School in Corpus Christi, Texas where he was quarterback of the State Championship Ray High School Texans football team. Max received a football scholarship to Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas where he graduated with a mathematics degree in 1964. Max played quarterback for SMU and was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, the Letterman Club and the Mustang Club. He went on to establish Professional Services, Inc. in 1966, which launched his career in actuarial services. His company merged with Meidinger, which later merged with William M. Mercer, a wholly owned subsidiary of Marsh McClelland. Max joined Price Waterhouse towards the end of his career and retired in 1995. He was a 35 year resident of Dallas, TX and spent the last 30 years in the Gustine / Hamilton Texas area and at his home in Park City, Utah.
Max married Barbara Dianne Henry in December of 1964, and together they had three daughters: Traci Dawn Derden, Amy Melissa Derden Oates and Cynthia Paige Hudgins Seex. Max married Carole Sue Ball in April of 2003, they were married for 22 years and they resided in the Hamilton area until his passing.
Max loved life and people, he definitely lived it largely and to the fullest. He had a wide range of interests throughout his life from sports, especially football, baseball and golf to snow skiing, hunting, fishing, traveling, cooking and collecting coins. His career took him all over the world and he seized the opportunity to really live and experience life. The lifelong friends he made throughout his 83 years is a testament to the kind of man he was: generous, loyal, protective, adventurous and encouraging. He could be the life of the party and at other times introspective and reflective. One friend referred to him as a true Renaissance Man as he had so many talents and interests. He always wanted to give back to his communities donating to many charities and organizations throughout his life, including the SMU golf team, the ARC of Dallas, the Hamilton High School golf team, Special Olympics and many others. Max served as a mentor to many young people throughout his life, not just within his family. He took a true interest in helping people better themselves and was a big advocate of education. As a father and uncle, he held his family to the same high standards he set for himself, he could be tough at times, but always fiercely protective, loving and generous. When asked about what he considered to be his greatest accomplishment in life, he said his family is the legacy he’s most proud of. He definitely left his mark on this world and touched so many people. Max’s journey here on earth is complete, yet his spirit will live on forever with our Lord Jesus Christ and in all our hearts.
Max is survived by his wife, Carole Derden of Hamilton, TX; his daughters Dawn Derden of Sherman, TX, Amy Oates and husband Greg Oates of Whitesboro, TX and Paige Seex and husband Dr. Kevin Seex of Church Point, NSW, Australia; his nephews, who are like sons to him Brent Carpenter and wife Kathy Carpenter of Denton, TX and Brad Carpenter and wife Dawn Carpenter of Midland, TX and granddaughters Savannah Schwartz and Piper Schwartz of Church Point, NSW, Australia. Max also leaves behind six great nieces and nephews Jennifer Carpenter Klein, Jessica Carpenter Cooney, Melissa Carpenter, Michele Carpenter, Todd Carpenter and Dylan Carpenter. In addition, he had nine great nieces and nephews with two on the way and his wife Carole’s grandchildren, Olivia and Benjamin and a great granddaughter.
He is preceded in death by his father, Max Albert Derden, Sr, his mother Nan Hearne Beverley Derden and his sister Beverley Carpenter Robinson.
A Celebration of Life service will be held to honor the life of Max Derden on Saturday, October 25th at 11:00 a.m. at Riley Funeral Home in Hamilton, Texas with a memorial reception immediately following at the Crossfire Cafe within the Circle T Arena. Our family would like to thank the staff of the Hamilton Healthcare System and Solaris Hospice for their compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to support two organizations that were near and dear to Max’s heart: the Men’s Golf Team at Southern Methodist University or the Hamilton High School golf team.
SMU Men’s Golf: Make checks payable to SMU, in the Memo Line: In Memory of Max Derden. Mail to: SMU, Attn: Tim Aronson, PO Box 750402, Dallas, TX 75275-0402 Hamilton High School Golf Team: Make checks payable to Friends of Hamilton ISD, in the memo line: Max Derden Scholarship Fund. Mail to: Hamilton ISD, 611 S. College, Hamilton, TX 76531
