Max Ladd Ludeke passed away unexpectedly on December 21, 2021, in Burkburnett, Texas. Born on September 19, 1953, in Vernon, Texas, he was the third of six children born to James and Joreen Ludeke. Max grew up on the family farm north of Burkburnett in Wichita County, often waking up at dawn to tend to his farm work before school.
Max attended Burkburnett High School, was co-captain of the football team, and graduated in 1972. He went to Texas A&M and received a Bachelor of Arts in 1976 for studying Economics and Political Science. During that time, he worked in oilfields across East and South Texas to pay for his education — often taking off entire semesters to save up enough money. After A&M, Max went on to complete a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration at Trinity University in San Antonio.
By the end of the ‘70s, Max began a four-decade career in healthcare administration and consulting. From his start with the Harris Methodist System in Ft. Worth, helping build Kell West Regional Hospital in Wichita Falls, working throughout Texas, working in Missouri, New York, New Mexico, and Illinois; Max’s career progressed to a specialization helping rural hospitals with their financial stability. He would help struggling hospitals through, or after the bankruptcy process. During his career, Max was a member of the Fellowship of American College of Healthcare Executives.
Max moved back to Burkburnett after retiring from healthcare and was excited to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. He volunteered with the Wichita County Historical Commission and the Veterans for Foreign Wars Auxiliary. In retirement, he continued to work as a consultant to other hospital administrators, as well as serving as an expert witness in several healthcare court cases.
Outside of work, Max read voraciously with an endless appetite for learning about history, politics, economics, and much more. He had an uncanny ability to recall unique facts and loved sharing them with anyone around; even leading to the affectionate nickname “Walking Encyclopedia” from his nieces. Max loved nature and was especially fond of taking his two sons to campouts with the Scouts as kids.
Max was preceded in death by his father James and his brother John. Max is survived by his son Weston and wife (Gabriela) and his son Charles and partner (Jay). He is also survived by his mother Joreen, sisters Ulana (Ken), Amy (Paul), Larisa (Tony), and brother Kim (Quana). Max is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Due to the intensity of COVID-19, the family will be holding a private interment at the Clara Cemetery in Burkburnett. A memorial service will be held tentatively on March 19th, 2022, at Owens & Brumley Funeral Home in Burkburnett. Masks are required.
In place of flowers, donations can be made to the Museum of North Texas History in Wichita Falls (https://museumofnorthtexashistory.org/donations/) or the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.owensandbrumley.com
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