Maxwell McCurdy

Maxwell McCurdy, longtime civic leader and former co-publisher of the Purcell Register, died Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at his home. He was 97. He was affectionately known as "Mr. Purcell" for many years as he was born and raised here, and assumed a leadership role in Purcell's growth for six decades.A memorial service will be held at 2 o'clock on Saturday, January 9, 2010 at the First Baptist Church in Purcell, with Blake Western officiating. A private burial ceremony will be at the family plot at Hillside Cemetery."Max," as he was known to his friends, was born March 27, 1912. His parents were pioneer Purcell doctor W.C. McCurdy, Sr. and Mary McCurdy. He attended Purcell schools and was a standout athlete, particularly in football as he was elected captain of his team at the age of 15.Following graduation from Purcell High School in 1929, he attended the University of Oklahoma where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He was also a member of the Sooner football team his freshman year.Max returned to Purcell and began employment at the Purcell Register. It was in 1935 that his life changed -- as Register owner Guy Hardie died and his widow sold the newspaper and the family home on Main Street to James C. and Ayleene Nance of Walters. The Nance family became next door neighbors to the McCurdy family. So, it was in 1935 that Max met the love of his life, Mary Rosamond "Rosie" McCurdy. They were married June 23, 1937, in a formal ceremony at the Nance home.They were parents of three sons: Tom, Rick, and Mike.Max was very proud of his military service in World War II. He served in the U.S. Navy, and attained the rank of Torpedoman Second Class aboard the USS Wadleigh, a large destroyer. One of Max's big thrills was viewing the signing of the Japanese surrender-standing at the rail aboard the Wadleigh and watching through his binoculars from about 300 yards away as General MacArthur presided over the surrender ceremony aboard the USS Missouri.He returned home following his active-duty and immediately became involved in the post-war community life in Purcell and at the Register. He was active in the Chamber, served as president of the Rotary Club, and participated in all the civic events. He also served on various committees of the Oklahoma Press Association.Max was an avid golfer and was city champion two consecutive years. However, it was his love for fishing and hunting in his spare time that enabled him to begin writing his weekly column, "Hunting -- Fishing by Max" -- which resulted in some writing/originality awards at the State Fair.Max and Rosie were also dedicated fans of the OU athletic teams. Their three sons -- Rick in football and Tom and Mike in basketball -- were Sooner athletes. They loved to follow the OU teams to away games, and were longtime season ticket holders.He and Rosie loved to travel -- especially to Hawaii and Canada. Their favorite trip of all was to Scotland and Ireland in 1989 for a "Gathering of the McCurdy Clan" -- first call for a "gathering" in over 300 years and it was on the Isle of Bute. Max loved to tell the story of how he "kissed the Blarney Stone" while in Ireland.Preceded in death by Wife: Rosie, in 2007; Parents; Great granddaughter: Brittany Usry; Brother: W.C. "Dr. Bill" McCurdy and his wife, Olga; Sister: Marion "Cissy" Giles and her husband, Buddy; Sister-in-law: Carolyn McCurdy; Nephew: Robbie McCurdy.He is survived by: three Sons: Tom McCurdy, of Purcell, Dr. James R. "Rick" McCurdy, and wife, Carol of Goldsby, Mike McCurdy, and his wife, Debbie, of Norman. One Brother: Dr. Robert E McCurdy of Denver.Nephews: Dr. William C. McCurdy III and his wife, Anne, and Gary McCurdy and his wife, Linda, as well as his niece, Gail Hurley and her husband, Phil, all of Norman; nieces Nancy McCurdy-Knudsen and her husband, John and Kathy Pride and her husband, Charlie, all of Denver.16 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildrenMemorial expressions may be made to the Purcell Public School Foundation, 919 N. 9th, Purcell, OK 73080; the University of Oklahoma Foundation Inc., 100 Timberdell Rd, Norman, OK 73019 or a charity of choice. Arrangements by Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Purcell.Submitted by family