Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1953
DIED
2018
David Reese Obituary
DAVID ANTHONY (MAX) REESE
June 17, 1953 - November 11, 2018
Max Reese was born in Bakersfield, CA in 1953 to Connie and Anthony Reese and passed away on November 11th, 2018 in Bly, OR.
Max was preceded in death by his father, Anthony Reese and is survived by his mother Connie and sister, Linda Petorias.
Max was an accomplished studio engineer, song writer and photographic artist. Max started his career at Bakersfield Sound Studio on North Chester Ave. where he met Noah Shark and Denny Cordell. Denny was the producer and manager of Tom Petty, Joe Cocker and others.
They all moved to Tulsa, OK where they started Shelter Records and produced Tom Petty's First album. They then moved Shelter Records to Los Angles, CA. There, Max produced gold albums for Petty, Joe Cocker, Korn and Leon Russell. Max was the sound engineer for the movie, FX whose sound track went platinum.
Max also co-wrote songs with Monty Byrom, Ronnie Wayne and Chuck Seaton, three Bakersfield music icons.
In his retirement, Max moved to Bly, Oregon with his best friend, John Lewis. John explains that it was in Oregon where Max found true Happiness.
Max was also a prolific photographer and had amassed 'thousands of photos' of his new home in SE Oregon, intending to compile a photo gallery of his new life.
There will be a celebration of Max Reese's life at Guthrie's Alley Cat, Saturday, January 19th at 2:00pm.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Reese
Dr. John Heidrick
June 27, 2025
I looked up maxx after reading about him in Mike Campbell's memoir about Mike's guitar work with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Now, about meeting Max....One day, at my medical office in Bakersfield, California, our radiology expert, Dwayne, introduced me to Max who was helping him repair some of our radiology equipment. Equipment. I was busy seeing patients but Dwayne happened to mention to Max that I was a big Tom Petty fan. He then told me he was the sound engineer on his first albums and worked with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers as well as with Denny Cordell. My eyes bugged out. I'm talking with a guy who recorded one of my favorite band's music. Needless to say, I was late for the next patient because I was digging as much information out of him as I could get. He told me all kinds of cool stuff about the band and the personalities and some anecdotes about his recording experiences. He was just a great guy and seemed very excited that somebody really appreciated his work. He was really good with radiology equipment, so I know he must have been an excellent sound engineer, as well. I didn't know Max more than this, but you can learn a lot from somebody in a short time talking about his passion, which was clearly his past work with music. A bit of a gentle soul, and indeed a cool guy, too!
Jules B.
December 7, 2024
Oh my gosh, so many cool memories with such a gentle and talented soul of a man. I looked up Max to show a friend of mine who loves music. I didn't know he'd passed on. Heaven has acquired a beautiful spirit! It was a pleasure hangin' out with him.
Billy and Glenda Russell
June 26, 2024
Not a day goes by without you in our conversations and hearts. You are missed Your MAXimus. Save us a seat Bud.
Linda Walker Madison
September 22, 2020
I worked with David at Allenthorp Photography. He was sweet, low key, and a sneaky prankster. I remember going into the restroom one time and screaming at the top of my lungs. He had placed a black plastic spider on the toilet lid. We lost touch but memories are so precious. Thank you David for being my friend. Linda Walker
Karen Seaton
July 30, 2019
Max and I dated for a year or so he taught me so many things about life and made me a wiser person. I will miss him greatly.
Shirley Smith
January 20, 2019
You never said I'm leaving
You never said goodbye
You were gone before we knew it
It broke my heart to lose you
But you did not go alone
For part of me went with you
The day you left this earth
In life I loved you deeply
In death I love you still
In my heart I hold a place
That only you can fill
I miss you so so very much and always will
There was so many things we planned to do
Now my life has changed forever
Until we meet again...........
Love you babe,
Shirley
David Graham
January 19, 2019
David Graham
January 19, 2019
David Graham
January 19, 2019
David Graham
January 19, 2019
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in David Reese's name
Memorial Events
for David Reese
How to support David's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor David Reese's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
