Max Edgar Rowntree

Max was born July 26, 1916 in Newcastle to Lawrence and Mamie (Whited) Rowntree.  He and his wife, Lucille, had five children:  Dirk, Doug, Dyke, Dana and Dala.  Throughout his life, Max met and touched the lives of many people as he pursued his various interests.  Following graduation from high school he and a friend went to California and played college football.  While in California he worked as a Hollywood Grip Boy and soda jerk.  Max was a World War II veteran, a mail carrier, a deliveryman, and owner/operator of the famous Max's Drive-In.  He was a huge Chickasha and USAO sports fan and enjoyed supporting all athletes.  He also coached Little League sports in the area.  Max was a volunteer to his community, helping with the Food Pantry and serving as a Tour Guide for the Festival of Light.  For many years he was a member of SPEBSQSA (Barbershop Singers) and was well respected as a crooner, frequently singing solos for special events.  He performed with the Ramblin' Notes Quartet, one of this state's oldest barbershop quartets.  Well known as a bodybuilder, Max set several Senior Olympic Records in Powerlifting.  He enjoyed ballroom dancing, especially at the Moose Lodge.  Many know Max as the resident comedian, full of humor and wit wherever he was.  He loved and was very active with his church, the First Christian Church in Chickasha.  He lived a very full and productive life.  Max passed away on September 2, 2002 at his home in Chickasha.