Max died while surrounded by his family and loved ones in Sugar Land, TX on the 26th of May 2024, at the age of 96.
Max was born in Enid, Oklahoma to Francis and Clayton Nelson. He was raised on a wheat farm during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl eras. He lived in Carrier, Oklahoma until he graduated High School and attended the Oklahoma State University with a degree in Horticultural Landscaping. While attending, he met and fell in love with Billie Carolyn King. His biggest challenge was convincing Billie that he was a worthy match! He did this by taking her on long Motorcycle rides and flying over the plains of Oklahoma in his surplus WW2 Piper Cub airplane. They were married January 28,1948.
After graduation Max and Billie tried their hands at wheat farming, but quickly realized that the city life was preferable to the country. They moved to Tulsa and started on their greatest journey, growing, and raising a family. They had four children: Michael Clayton (1952) married to Kathy, Timothy John (1953) married to Debra, Christopher Caldwell (1962) married to Joelle and Carolyn Kay (1963). He has four grandchildren: Matthew, Sarah, Katie, and Jocelyn.
Max, Billie, and family were members of All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa. In 1976 Max, Billie, Christopher and Carolyn moved to Houston. Max was successful advertising salesman; Billie took care of the home while Christopher and Carolyn went to school. Michael and Kathy moved to Houston area and raised their family in Missouri City, Texas. Timothy and Debra continue to live in Tulsa.
Max was preceded in death by his beloved Billie in January 2021. Max is very clear that he misses Billie and is looking forward to seeing her again.
In lieu of flowers donations please consider a donation to The American Cancer Society.
