Max Lynn Dobson claimed victory over this life on October 28, 2020. He walked with God on this earth and is now comforted by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Max was born on July 27, 1939, in Oklahoma City to Vernon and Geraldine. He was raised by his Uncle Don and Aunt Louise Edwards. Max largely grew up in the rural community of Waukomis, Oklahoma. Farm life aided in his development of a strong work ethic. He attended Pioneer School, where he was an All-State basketball player. Max was awarded a scholarship to play basketball for Henry Iba at Oklahoma State University. He later transferred to Phillips University to play both basketball and baseball. Max earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Phillips University, a Master of Education from Northwestern Oklahoma State University and a Doctorate of Education from Oklahoma State University. Max married Ramona Vanderwork on June 1, 1958. They were blessed with three children and had a close and loving relationship until her death over 42 years later. Following Ramona's death, Max married Marilyn Kelly Forrester. Max and Marilyn enjoyed a beautiful marriage for the past 18 years.
In 1966, Max and Ramona moved to Edmond, Oklahoma, where Max had accepted an offer to teach and coach at Oklahoma Christian University. He gave tirelessly to Oklahoma Christian, his students, teams and community. Max was rewarded for his more than 47 years of service. He received the University's Gaylord Chair of Distinguished Teaching. His professional organization, the Oklahoma Association of Health, Physical Education and Recreation granted him their annual Honor Award for his contributions to Physical Education. Max also received the Oklahoma Christian Faculty Leadership Award. During his coaching tenure, his baseball teams were consistently successful, including a 3rd place finish in the nation. Max founded the women's basketball program at Oklahoma Christian, and his basketball teams were also highly successful, including many titles and championships. He had the pleasure of coaching numerous All-Americans in both baseball and basketball. Max was inducted into the Oklahoma Christian University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995 and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Baseball Hall of Fame in 1996. He received the OKC Thunder Community Hero Award in 2012 for his work with Edmond's special needs students. Max was inducted into Oklahoma Christian's Master Teacher Hall of Fame in 2014. Max's most treasured reward is the immense and positive impact he had on those he touched. For 54 years, Max served Memorial Road Church of Christ. He worked diligently in the church as a teacher, deacon and elder. Max was an exemplary husband, father, grandfather, brother, teacher, coach, mentor, friend and man of God. Max's family cherishes their time spent with him. He was a bright light in each of their lives, showering them with love, care and much humor. Max's ultimate goal and greatest mission was to make it to heaven, which he has now achieved.
Max was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ramona; his sister, Lana Pray; his father, Vernon; his mother, Geraldine; his Uncle Don and Aunt Louise. Max is survived by his dedicated and loving wife, Marilyn; his three children, Tami Robbins, Todd Dobson and Teri Mueller and their spouses Bill Robbins, Dee Dobson and Scott Mueller; step-daughter Anna Jane Perrey and her husband Chris; seven granddaughters; three grandsons; one great-granddaughter and one great-grandson. He is also survived by his brother, Gary Dobson, and sister, Judy Lamb.
A viewing is scheduled for 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, November 1, at Matthews Funeral Home in Edmond, Oklahoma, with the family greeting from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. A memorial service will be held at the Memorial Road Church of Christ in Edmond, Oklahoma at 11 a.m. on November 2.
For the safety of all, please wear a mask. Social distancing will be observed. A virtual viewing of the memorial service will be available at youtube.com/memorialroad.
A private interment will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery in Oklahoma City.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Oklahoma Christian University Dobson Scholarship or Special Needs Physical Education Program (give.oc.edu/maxdobson), or to the Tipton Children's Home (tiptonchildrenshome.com).