Max K. Garrett Jr., 89

With deep sadness we announce the passing of Max, loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.  Max was also known by his middle name, Kelley, by many on his side of the family.

His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends that Max had touched in so many ways throughout his long and memorable life. He passed away peacefully in Denton, Texas on September 29, 2023.  He was born on September 21, 1934, in Paris, Arkansas.

As a child of the great depression, he grew up helping his family by growing and hunting for food. His father was a coal miner.  In the late 1930s the family moved to California looking for a better life.

Max joined the Air Force in 1955.  In 1958 he was stationed at Loring Air Force Base outside of Caribou, ME.  Additionally, he served two tours in Vietnam (1965-66 and 1969). He retired as a Master Sergeant in 1975.

In 1959, Max met and married the love of his life, Judith E. Bouchard in Caribou while serving in the USAF.

Due to military life, Max and Judy (plus four highly spirited kids) had an adventurous life and lived in multiple places including Okinawa, Maine, Florida, California, Nebraska, Arizona but decided to make Denton, Texas their permanent home in 1989.

Max became a passionate gardener after he retired and was proud of his gardens at home and at Silo Fields. He enjoyed many games playing Acey Deucey with his wife Judy.  They loved camping, attending parties, playing cards, family reunions- anything involving the gathering of family and friends.

In his younger days he enjoyed his own adventures. He was an avid and highly skilled dirt bike rider, especially in Okinawa.  He even mentioned that when he had his best dreams, they included clearing this one particularly difficult straight up bluff on his beloved Kawaski as the other riders/friends would choose to go around.  Prior to marrying Judy and having four kids, Max also enjoyed speed boat and car racing.  Marrying and having children tends to change your priorities.

Max lived an incredible life.  Think about this, the guy even survived a USAF cargo plane crash.  No one perished in that crash- but still!

Max was preceded in death by his beloved wife Judy in 2021.  They were married for a wonderful and fulfilling 62 years.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; Max K. Garrett Sr. and Eula Mae Garrett; sisters Pat Dering, Nan Hawes, and Linda Baldwin; brothers-in-law Bill Dering, Keith Baldwin, Roy Hawes, Bob Bouchard, and Dave Bouchard.

He is survived by sons; Max K. Garrett III (wife-Marla) and Shim Garrett and daughters; Lori Garrett and Kim Cann.

Max is also survived by his grandchildren, Hayden Garrett Jr., Morgan Hill, Yateman (YJ) Garrett, Lorin Bisig (husband- Chase), Emily Cann (Eric Luna) and great granddaughter Brooke Luna and numerous nieces and nephews.  Frankly, while Judy was his true love, his grandchildren were a close second.

He is additionally survived by sisters-in- law; Joyce White (husband- Jim; sister- Judy), Bernie Bouchard (husband- Bob), and Fern Bouchard (husband- Dave), and brother-in-law Jim White (wife-Joyce).

Services will be held at St Andrew Presbyterian Church, Denton, Texas on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 2:00pm.

You may offer your condolences at www.deberryfuneraldirectors.com  where you may also share any memories and photographs you may have of Max.