Max Herman Herzstein

He was born on the 28th of June 1916, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Max and Nettie Rosensweig Herzstein. Following his high school graduation, Max moved to Houston in 1935. He began a career at Big Three Industries in 1936. On the 13th of October 1940, he married the boss's daughter, Isabell Smith Herzstein, to whom he remained married for sixty-four years, until she passed away in 2004.

Max was a veteran of World War II. From 1942 to 1945, he served as a Communications Sergeant in the 74th Ordinance Batallion. He was among the first wave of heroes to land on Normandy Beach, coming in before the infantry, and clearing the land mines in advance. Surviving that assignment, he and his remaining troops bivouacked at the Palace of Versailles. The War had a profound effect on his life, and he rarely spoke of his harrowing experiences.

In 1950, Max, Isabell and their two young sons, Randy and Marc, moved to Wichita Falls, Texas, where Max established an industrial welding supply company. Years later he returned to live and work in Houston, where he retired in 1972.

Max was a colorful character on the Houston scene. He could frequently be seen on his long walks, wearing his cowboy boots, or sitting on the bordering wall of the Four Leaf Towers, waving to those who passed by. He was as comfortable in a Mercedes service shop as he was at the Museum of Fine Arts, and cultivated friends everywhere he went. He went to his son's company every day, where he was loved by all the employees. To keep a sharp, active mind, he kept up with real estate and business. Max loved fast cars, young people, spicy foods, and his family. He had a "Max-ism" for every occasion. Among his most famous, when asked how he was, he would reply, "Never felt better, had less, or wanted more." He was indeed a unique individual.

Max is predeceased by his wife, the late Isabell Smith Herzstein, his sister Myrtle Loewenstern, and his parents. He is survived by his sons Randall Brent Herzstein, and Marc Smith Herzstein and wife, Judy. He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Brooke Herzstein Feather and husband, Dan, Hayley Marisa Herzstein, Bari Herzstein Fishel and husband, David, Michael Allen Herzstein, and Marcie Prohofsky. His two great-grandchildren who adored their GG (Great Gramps) are Lily Isabell Feather, and Max Nathan Fishel. He is also survived by his brother Stanley Herzstein, of San Francisco, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The memorial service for Max Herzstein is to be conducted at one o’clock in the afternoon on Sunday, the 20th of February, in the Kagan-Rudy Chapel of Emanu El Memorial Park, 8341 Bissonnet Street in Houston.

In lieu of flowers, Max, who was so charitable in his lifetime, would have appreciated contributions to The United Way, 50 Waugh Drive, Houston, TX 77007; or The Salvation Army, 1500 Austin Street, Houston, TX 77002; or to the charity of one’s choice.

And to all of us, he would say, "This too shall pass."