Mr. Max Elbert Kee's Obituary
Age 78, born October 3, 1935 in Ft. Worth, Texas passed away August 31, 2014 in Plano, Texas into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Max was born on October 3, 1935 in Fort Worth, Texas. He graduated from Polytechnic High School, where he played the saxophone in the marching band. He then earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Texas Wesleyan College in 1958. While at Wesleyan, Max courted and married his high school sweetheart, Yvonne Clewis, who would be his true love, best friend, and helpmate for 59 years. Together they would raise three girls and celebrate the births of six grandchildren. For all of these, and their families, Max set an example to follow. He was a godly, loving, positive, supportive husband and father who lived his life with integrity grounded in his Christian faith. After graduation, Max took a position at Collins Radio. After two years commuting from Fort Worth, the Kees moved to Richardson, Texas, where Max would become a valued member of the community. He worked with Texas Instruments, and then moved to Nortel where he worked in various capacities for 19 years, retiring in 1998 as director of Wireless Market Order Management. Max was devoted in all aspects of his life, but he was especially committed to the community of Richardson. As a community leader, he lived life to the fullest and took every opportunity to serve the people with whom he came into contact. Among Max’s contributions to the community was his chairmanship of the Richardson Chamber of Commerce, the Richardson Advisory Board, and the Richardson YMCA board of directors. He was instrumental in the development of the Telecom Corridor, serving on the Economic Development Council’s Planning and Development Committee. He served on the boards of the Network of Community Ministries, the Baylor Richardson Medical Center, and the Richardson Symphony Orchestra. He was a member ofthe Richardson Rotary Club, the RISE Foundation for the Richardson schools, Leadership Richardson, the Richardson Charter Revision Commission, and the City Planning Commission. As a result of this service, the community recognized Max with numerous awards: the most prominent ofthese were the Richardson Citizen ofthe Year, Nortel’s Max Kee Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteerism, and President’s Award for Community Service from Wireless Networks. He was preceded to glory by his parents, Elbert and Maud Kee. Max is survived by his wife, Yvonne Clewis Kee and his sister Nancy Stephens (husband Merv). He has three loving daughters: Jennifer Tinker (husband Greg), Lisa Oliver (husband Brad) and Leigh Ann Coats (husband John). He is blessed with six grandchildren: Stephanie Tinker Beazley (husband Aaron). Skyler Tinker (wife Brittany), Hunter Oliver (wife Angela), Kelly Oliver, David Coats, and Rachel Coats. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Nelda Tanner (husband Bacil), and brother-in-law, Glenn Williams (wife Bonnie), as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. The family would like to give special thanks to the Villagio of Plano staff and Vitas hospice for their loving care of Max. The visitation for Max Elbert will be from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM on Thursday, September 4, 2014 at Restland Funeral Home. A graveside service for Max Elbert will be at 9:30 AM Friday, September 5, 2014 at Restland Memorial Park. A celebration of his life memorial service to follow at 11:00 AM at Heights Baptist Church, 201 W. Renner Road, Richardson, Texas 75080. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75238.
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