Max Kenneth Biery

Max Kenneth Biery peacefully entered his Heavenly Home surrounded by his family on February 8, 2026. He was born on September 21,1944 to his parents, John Kenneth and Mary Elma (Darby) Biery in Lafayette, Indiana. A farm boy, he graduated Dayton High School in Dayton, Indiana before receiving his Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University. He then completed the Executive Program from the Graduate School of Business Administration at the University of Michigan. He also received his Masters of Science in Industrial Administration from Purdue University. (Boiler up, hammer down!)

Max married his high school sweetheart, Marsha Alkire in 1966, who survives him after a blessed marriage of fifty-nine years. Also surviving are his two sons Kent (Linda) Biery of Ligonier, Pennsylvania; Kyle (Lisa) Biery of Morristown; and daughter-in-law, Tricia Biery of Morristown. He is also survived by his grandchildren Tyler (Morgan), Jordan (Jayna), Kendra (Luke), Jonathan (Kate), Joshua (Elizabeth), Caleb James, Luke (Ansley), Lilah, Keaton, and great-grandchildren Landon, Braelynn, Leona, Piper, and Penelope, as well as his sister Janet (Don) Connelly, and brother-in-law Alan (Denise) Alkire, all of Lafayette, Indiana.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son Max Keith Biery. Max was also preceded in death by his parents, John Kenneth and Elma Darby Biery; sisters Virginia Lee Flora and Bonita Jo Wiggins; nephew Adam Ross Alkire; niece Debbie Wiggins; special cousin Edwin 'Bruce' Biery; parents-in-law Truman and Ellen "Sue" Alkire; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Mike and Fran Alkire.

Max started his career at Ross Gear Division of TRW in 1966, in Lafayette, Indiana. He was awarded a patent which improved torque life on a hydraulic motor. He moved to Cleveland, Ohio in 1981, to the corporate office to be Director of Planning and Development on a global basis, where projects included forming a joint venture in Italy, a license agreement in China with the "Second Automotive Works" (SAW), a joint venture in India to produce steering gears for Heavy Trucks and Buses, and coordinated projects in Brazil, Australia, and Europe. From racing a Passat through the streets of Paris to Monte Carlo, walking the Great Wall of China, and waterskiing on the Mediterranean Sea, Max traveled extensively and was a million-miler on three separate airlines, forming many lasting friendships. He moved to Detroit in 1986, as Vice President of Sales of TRW's Transportation Electronics Division. After twenty-three years of a growing career with TRW, he came to Morristown from Detroit, Michigan in 1989, to start the joint venture that produces power steering pumps, hoses, and related automotive components. Max then became president of TOYODA TRW Automotive (TTA) in January 1998. He retired from TTA (now JTEKT) as President in 2007. Each day Max prayed thanksgiving to the Lord that He brought him to Morristown. In all of this, his greatest success was leading men and women, whose lives were impacted by his leadership, integrity, character, and faith.

He was an active member and Elder of Dayton Memorial Presbyterian Church in Dayton, Indiana; an active member and started the Men's Club at Garfield United Methodist Church in Pepper Pike, Ohio; an active member of First United Methodist Church in Morristown as a lay leader and serving in many area's of God's work; and finally a partner of Arrowhead Church. He was also a fifty-year member of the Masonic Lodge, a member of the Scottish Rite, and a member of the Sip-n-Flip coffee group.

He served as the Campaign Chairman of United Way of Hamblen County, where he was the first Chairman to raise one million dollars for the campaign. He also served as Chairman of United Way, Board Member of the Chamber of Commerce, where he was involved with the creation of HC*EXCELL; President and Board Member and recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Boys and Girls Club of Morristown; President of the Rotary Club; Board Member of the Morristown Utilities Commission; member of the President's Trust at Walters State Community College; and Regional Board Member of First Tennessee Bank, as well as many other examples of community involvement. He was also the past President of Earthmoving Manufacturing Auxiliary, and the Farm Industrial Equipment Institute Auxiliary.

Max was most proud of his three sons that God blessed to his and Marsha's care.

A special thank you to Dr. Sunil Ramaprasad, Dr. Rajeev Gupta, physical therapist Tammy Weston, and Caris Healthcare.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are to be given to Boys and Girls Club of Morristown.

A celebration of life has been planned for Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Arrowhead Church, with a receiving of friends from 1:00 - 4:00 PM, and a service to follow.

Allen Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.