1929 – 2018
Max David Habegger of Houston, Texas, died peacefully on August 11, 2018. He was born on March 29, 1929 in Berne, Indiana the youngest of four children to Menno and Lydia Habegger. He will always be remembered for his hard-working attitude and his infinite love for his wife, family and cherished friends. Max was raised in a Christian home and accepted Christ as his Savior as a young boy. His love of the Lord was the foundation of his life. His honesty, integrity and generosity were first and foremost in his family life, and also in his business life. He excelled in school not only academically, but also lettered in basketball.
Max was a natural born salesman. Following graduation from Berne High School, he went to work for his brother’s plastering/dry wall business located in Fort Wayne, Indiana. On September 25, 1948, he married the love of his life, Martha Rose Meshberger. Together they began what was to be 70 years of marriage. Max felt the need to change careers and in 1960 went to work for Savage Laboratories Inc. located in Bellaire, TX. He began as a Pharmaceutical salesman in Fort Wayne. His excellence in sales was soon rewarded with a promotion to Assistant Regional Manager and he packed up his wife and family and moved to Memphis, Tennessee. His success in management was again rewarded with the title Regional Sale Manager. In 3 years, he was promoted to Assistant National Sales Manager and with that, the move to Bellaire, Texas. Max moved his wife and 3 children to Texas. During his time at Savage Laboratories, he was again promoted to the highest sale position in the company, National Sales Manager where he remained until his departure in the late 1970’s. Max, always, the ‘salesman’ loved sharing his knowledge of Sales with anyone who would listen. In 1982 he invested in Big 10 Productions, Inc. as President. In less than 20 years, the company grew from 10 employees to over 350 with annual sales exceeding $25,000,000.00. He retired from Big 10 Productions in 1999. He and Martha began traveling, enjoying the rewards of their success.
His love of God inspired both he and Martha to give back for the ‘blessings’ that they have received. He became a Trustee of Camp Tejas Ministries located in Giddings, Texas. During this time, he and Martha donated monies to build the MarMax conference center that would serve as a worship and conference center at the camp. They again felt led by the Lord to do more and The Westbury Lake House was built as a site for hosting and lodging campers. The Lakehouse has 4 individual sleeping areas, each named after their beloved grandchildren, Angela Hugghins, Joshua Maxey, Hallie Knoblauch Ross and Trace Knoblauch.
As a member of Westbury Baptist Church since February 1, 1965, Max was involved with many of the church’s ministries. His baritone voice was a staple in the choir. He loved singing the old hymns, new hymns, anthems and even praise songs. He loved to hear the Gaither Vocal Band, The Cathedral’s, The Blackwood Brothers just among a few of his favorites.
Max was preceded in death by his parents, Menno and Lydia Habegger, brother, Lester G Habegger, sister’s Harriet L. Gerber and Marjorie Sprunger and granddaughter April Dawn Hugghins. Max is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Martha Rose Habegger, his children, Renee Kae Maxey, husband Joe D. Maxey, Jr., Kevin Max Habegger, wife Julie Habegger, LuAnn Knoblauch, husband Mark Knoblauch and David M. Habegger. He is survived by his four grandchildren, Angela Maxey Hugghins, Joshua Maxey, Hallie Knoblauch Ross and Trace Knoblauch.
Visitation will be at Forest Park Westheimer on Friday, August 17, 2018 from 6 to 8 pm. Private graveside services will be held on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at 11:00am at Forest Park Westheimer. A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held on August 18, 2018 at 4:00pm at Westbury Baptist church. Friends are welcome to come and share in the life of Max D. Habegger.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested the donations be given to:
Camp Tejas Ministries
1038 PR 2191
Giddings, TX 78942
or online at www.camptejas.org/donate
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