Our Dad, Max Williams, lived from September 28, 1953 — October 4, 2024. This is about his dash — how he lived out his 71 years.

Max (Gary Max) was born in Alva, OK to Clarence Jr. and Neoma (Carver) Williams. His big sister Janice was surely ecstatic to have a baby brother. They all called Freedom, OK home for a short time before moving to Coldwater, KS in 1957.

Max grew up working as a mechanic, and at only 13 years old, he completely rebuilt his first engine at the Highway Garage. He also loved playing football as a Coldwater Eagle, lettering multiple years throughout middle and high school. Max was a hot rod enthusiast - eventually owning a '69 Road Runner and a candy apple red '72 Chevy Nova. We can't leave out Old Blue, his '77 Ford truck. He was a mechanic for life working out of his own shop in the backyard. In addition to these things, Max's other hobbies included guitar pickin', days spent at the lake boating and water skiing and riding his motorcycle.

Max and Joann (Malone) married in 1974, moved to Kanorado, and welcomed a son, Justin, later that same year. While there, Max owned and operated a custom harvesting business.

In 1976, they moved back to Coldwater and Max began his two-decade long career at Wolcott & Lincoln in Wilmore & Sitka as a grain elevator and feed mill manager, working countless hours providing dedicated customer service handling grain, formulating rations, and making and delivering feed products, all while keeping both elevators functioning smoothly.

During this time, in 1980, they welcomed a baby girl, Jamie, into their lives. Home then became a mix of Hot Wheels, G.I. Joes, baby dolls, and more.

Throughout the years, many good memories were made, and the family grew as grandkids came along, making Max a proud grandpa.

Max later retired from Comanche County Road and Bridge. He continued working as a mechanic and lawn mowing became a new hobby. He enjoyed drinking coffee and Dr. Pepper, visits with family and friends, and watching football and old westerns.

He worked hard and was a good provider for his family. He could fix just about anything and had a heart for helping others. He was a true patriot, a man who was drafted and ready, right as the Vietnam War ended. Max was a supporter of VFW and Wounded Warrior Project.

He was a man who lived simply… no internet or cell phone, just an answering machine and several electronic calculators. He received Jesus as his Lord & Savior in March 2024. And he passed into eternity just as he hoped he would, peacefully in his home.

He is survived by his stepmother and beloved friend: Bessie Lee Williams, his sister: Janice (Gary) Blevins, his children: Justin (Crystal) Williams, and Jamie (Chris) Gifford, and grandchildren Colton (Mariah) Linden, Tim (Lexi) Williams, Christa Williams, Jonah and Joshua Ndungu, and Madeline, Braedon, and Evan Gifford; and 4 great grandchildren.

Max was preceded in death by his parents and other beloved family members.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to the South Central High School Football Team in care of Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, P.O. Box 417, Coldwater, KS 67029.

Graveside Service is Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 2:00pm at Crown Hill Cemetery, Coldwater, KS. The funeral procession will begin at Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home. Please begin lining up at 1:30pm. In case of inclement weather, the service will be held at the funeral home.