Max Alton Coakley
March 10, 1917 - Sept. 2, 2007

Max Alton Coakley, 90, of Sterling, died Sunday, Sept. 2, 2007, in Sterling. Closed casket services will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 6, at Christ United Methodist Church with the Rev. Derek DeToni-Hill officiating. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Arrangements were made by Chaney-Reager Funeral Home.

Max, patriarch of the Coakley family, was born March 10, 1917, to Thomas A. Coakley and Alice D. (Drury) Coakley in Fullerton, Neb. Two years later the family, including Max's two brothers, Dean and Robert, moved to Colorado and settled on a farm three miles north of Sterling. He continued to live his life on this same family farm, finding contentment and satisfaction in the work that he loved. He was blessed with the opportunity to live a long, meaningful and happy life. Through his example, he set the standard for all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.

His elementary education took place at Springdale Valley School, a small country school near his home and he graduated from Sterling High School in 1935. In high school he participated with the track team as a sprinter and held a track record that remained for many years.

As fate would have it, Max met Maxine Tate and they were married on June 18, 1940, in Sterling. One of his other treasures at that time was his cream-colored convertible which took them on their honeymoon to the Black Hills of South Dakota. On their return home, they assumed operation of the family farm and livestock feeding business for more than 50 years.

He was an active participant in various farm and livestock organizations, including president of Chimney Canyon Grazing Association and a member of the board of directors for 17 years. He was a charter member of the Colorado Cattlefeeders Association and received the honorary member award in 1987. He served as president and board member of Sterling Irrigation Co. for many years.

Sterling Elks Lodge was an integral part of Max and Maxine's life, both fraternally and socially. He was a life member and served as Exalted Ruler in 1962-63. He was a lifetime member of Christ United Methodist Church, where they were very active in the Keystone Club under the direction of the Rev. Vernon Hanks.

Max is survived by his wife of 67 years, Maxine; daughter, Carol Rufenach and husband Cliff of Lyons; son, Gordon and wife Gerda of Dallas, Texas; grandchildren, Robynn Zender and husband Charles of San Martin d'Uriage, France, and Dionne Bourque and husband Robert of Dallas; granddaughter-in-law, Karla Rudel of Kailua Kona, Hawaii; great-grandchildren, Dakotah and Isabella Bourque of Dallas, Peter Schwanke of Henry, Neb., Randy Max and Russell Rudel of Kailua Kona, and Olivia and Ruby Zender of San Martin d'Uriage; brother, Richard and wife Lois Jean of Littleton; and several nieces and nephews, including three-year-old, Max Coakley of Weldona.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Dean and Robert; and grandson, Randy Rudel.

He is a special man

Who knows the strength

of gentleness,

who gives the gift

of thoughtfulness,

who lives a life of kindness

and of love.

Donations may be made to Public Broadcasting Station in his name.