Dr. Charles Max Williams
Dr. Charles Max Williams was born July 10, 1945 in Wewoka, OK to Charles and Lois (Lollis) Williams. As a young child, he assisted with the building of their new family home. At the age of 10, the family moved into their new home just North of Holdenville, OK. Max grew up as an only child, but he always thought of his cousin, Carolyn Leslie, as his older sister. The home stood strong on the family farm, and both remained in the family until 2017.
Growing up, Max balanced his schoolwork with learning the piano/ organ while earning the rank of Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts. His hard work at school paid off and he graduated as the valedictorian of Holdenville High School in 1963. After High School, he began his studies at the University of Oklahoma where he earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees, each in Mathematics.
Taking a break from studies, on February 12, 1965, he went on a blind date with what would be the love of his life, Frances Moyer. Max and Fran married April 22, 1967 and moved to Houston, TX. It was here Max began his life in the Aerospace industry, an industry he would remain in until he retired. In Houston, Max also got a promotion. This promotion was not at work, but in life. Max was promoted to father after the birth of their first son, Michael Scott Williams.
In 1972 his employer, TRW, asked him to take on a new job, and relocate to the sunny coast of Redondo Beach, CA. Max led the three of them West to a new life. Max got another promotion. This promotion was not at work, but at home. Max once again became father, to their second son, Mark Alan Williams. The family resided in the city of Lomita, CA, until 1983.
It was in 1983, TRW once again asked him to relocate. The relocation took the family to Colorado Springs, CO. It was a new adventure for all. The L.A. smog was replaced with the Rocky Mountains. Both in California and Colorado, Max was a loving son, husband and father. He continued to be an employee at TRW, later Northrop Grumman, supporting many different programs. One program of note that he supported is the Hubble Telescope. In recognition of his support, NASA provided him with a flag flown aboard the Discovery orbiter, STS-31 mission.
In 1996, Max received another promotion in life, he became a father-inlaw, when his younger son married Paula Salmeron. In 2000, he became father-in-law to his older son’s wife, Julia Kingsley. He loved both women as if they were daughters of his own. Both women reciprocate the feelings and think of him as more than just a father-in-law.
Being promoted to father-in-law was not his last promotion. In 2000, he was also promoted to the position of grandfather, or Papa, as he was later called by everyone. His first grandson, Charles Jacob was born to Mark and Paula. His other grandson, Inde Solace Kingsley was born in 2011 to Remo and Julia. Papa was so excited for each grandson, each was an absolute joy to him. He loved playing jokes and tricks with each one.
Through all these years, Papa was an active member of his community. He played tennis and golf with neighbors and coworkers. Eventually in 2012 he retired to spend more time with his bride, now called Mema by everyone. Together they traveled and had many wonderful adventures with each other. Even after retirement he remained balanced and engaged. He spent Monday mornings having coffee with his more liberal friends, while spending Friday evenings drinking beer with his more conservative friends. He enjoyed the company of both groups and thought of all as dear friends.
On October 11, 2020 Max passed, leaving a hole in everyone’s heart. He passed as a son, a husband, a father, a father-in-law, a grandfather, and a friend to all. Each of those references could easily be prefaced with “loved”. But to all of us, our dear, loved Papa passed, slipping from the bounds of Earth to the Heavens that he helped explore.
Papa, you will be missed by all.
There will be private services for the family. Final interment at Broadmoor Community Church will be at an undetermined date.