Max V. Wilson

Max V. Wilson, 84, a longtime resident of Fredonia, Kansas, died on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 in Wichita, Kansas. He was born March 5, 1928 in Neodesha, Kansas, the son of John Robert and Dolly (Bradley) Wilson. Max was raised in Neodesha by his grandmother, Emily Bradley, following the death of his mother when he was five years old. He was a 1946 graduate of Neodesha High School. Max served in the United States Air Force 1946-1947. On October 21, 1946 in Independence, Kansas, Max was united in marriage to Maxine Morrison. She survives at their home. Max was a 1951 graduate of Pittsburg State University, receiving his Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and his Masters Degree in 1958. He received his educational administrative certification from Emporia State University and was a doctorate candidate at the University of Kansas. During high school, Max earned varsity letter honors in football, basketball and track. He went on to play football at Pittsburg State University and earned letterman honors during three seasons. In 1951, Max began his teaching career at Galena High School, as an instructor in P.E. and industrial arts. He also coached all sports, including coaching the basketball team to the state tournament in 1953. The Wilson"s moved to Fredonia in 1953, where Max taught industrial arts at Fredonia High School and coached football and basketball. He also managed the Fredonia Swimming Pool for a number of summers and helped to build several homes in Fredonia, including their current residence. In 1959, he became the principal at Fredonia Junior High School. He moved into the high school principal position in 1965 and was named superintendent of schools in USD 484 in July of 1975. Max served in this position for 16 years, retiring in 1991. In 2001, Max was elected Mayor of Fredonia, serving two terms. Max was a member of the Fredonia Arts Council, Fredonia Lions Club, Fredonia Rotary Club, and served on the Fredonia Regional Hospital Board of Directors. He was a founding member of the Greenbush Educational Service Center and created Greenbush Leadership Programs for area principals. He was active throughout the years with Kansas State High School Activities Association and the Kansas Superintendent Council. In 1987, Max was awarded the Distinguished Clyde U. Phillips Service Award. In 1991, Max was among those selected to be inducted into the Kansas Teacher Hall of Fame in Dodge City. During his career, he received the Joan Bayles Arts Council Award, Tri-County Recognition Award and the Greenbush Service Center Award. In 1999, the Fredonia New High School Gymnasium was named in honor of Mr. Wilson. He received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Neodesha High School in 2004. Survivors, in addition to his wife, Maxine, include: One daughter: Linda Hoobler and fianc" Floyd Walpole of Wichita, KS Two sons: Terry and Nancy Wilson of Lawrence, KS Barry and Chelle Wilson of Wichita, KS Grandchildren: Dennis Hoobler of Wichita, KS Kelli and Lance Rappard of Wichita, KS Lindsay Wilson of Palm City, FL Marc Wilson of Seattle, WA Kaytie Wilson of Wichita, KS Emily Wilson of Wichita, KS Great Grandson: Ryne Rappard of Wichita, KS His brothers, Don Wilson and Bob Wilson, and son, Stan Wilson preceded him in death. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at the Fredonia High School Max V. Wilson Gymnasium. Burial will be in the Fredonia City Cemetery. The family will receive friends following the funeral in the FHS Commons Area. Memorials have been established in his name with Wichita Alzheimer"s Association, 347 S Laura, Wichita, KS, 67211, and the Max V. Wilson Memorial Scholarship and donations may be sent to or left with Timmons Funeral Home. Words of condolence for the family may be left on this website. Timmons Funeral Home, PO Box 168, Fredonia, KS, 66736, is in charge of the arrangements.