Max Wilson Obituary
In the early morning hours of Tuesday, September 22, 2015, Max E Wilson slipped quietly away to his eternal home in heaven. Helen, his wife of 61 years, was by his side. He was 91 years young.
Max was born to Heber Chase Wilson and Laura Ogden Wilson on the 18th of August, 1924. His early years were spent in Richfield, Utah, where he attended school and worked on the family farm. He was the 4th of 5 children.
During WWII Max served in the U.S. Navy as a medical corpsman. Following the war, Max served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. His area of service was the North Central States Mission. Upon his release from his mission, Max attended BYU in Utah where he earned a B.S. in Agricultural Science.
The first time he saw Helen Mar Johnson, he knew she was for him. They were married on April 16, 1954 in the Salt Lake City, LDS temple. In addition to being the love of his life, he always said she was his very best friend.
Max worked for 27 years for the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture as a farm management specialist. He also worked for a time for Pima Savings and Loan. Max and Helen spent most of their married life in Safford, Arizona. After retirement, they moved to Mesa, Arizona to be closer to family.
In addition to his employment, Max was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. Over the years he served in numerous church capacities including a counselor in two bishoprics, a ward executive secretary, a High Councilman, and a temple ordinance worker.
Max loved the youth. He dedicated countless hours to the Boy Scouts of America. Many boys are Eagle Scouts today, in part, because of his guidance and direction. Max was honored by the BSA with the Silver Beaver award.
Max loved his family most of all. They were always his top priority. Max had a zest for life. He was always actively involved in good works or occasional good natured mischief. He retained his right to never grow up. Max loved to be outside gardening, playing with his grandkids, or meditating. He also enjoyed tinkering, reading, and especially telling stories.
Max is survived by his loving wife Helen; three sons, Steven (Sheryl), David (Lianna), and James (Connie); eight grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Heber and Laura; two brothers Chase and McKay; and two sisters Emma Lou and Anna.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday Sept. 30, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. (LDS Chapel – 4640 East Holmes Ave. Mesa, AZ) A short viewing will begin at 9:00 a.m.
Interment will be at the Mountain View Cemetery (7900 East Main St. Mesa, AZ)
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the LDS missionary fund or the LDS temple fund.