Max J. Conlin

Max Jensen Conlin, son of Ada Irene (Jensen) and William ‘Bill’ Field Conlin completed his earthly mission on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, after a lengthy illness. He left this life peacefully surrounded by his loving family. Born January 5, 1946 in Soda Springs, Idaho, Max grew up as a typical Idaho farm boy. He was a sweet, hardworking boy, but sometimes a little mischievous. He entertained his grandkids with stories about the time he ‘relocated’ the town’s police car when it was left running outside the town cafe, and how he played end, guard and tackle on the school’s football team (he sat at the end of the bench, guarded the water bottle and tackled anyone that got near it). It’s still a mystery about who burned down the neighbor’s chicken house.

Max graduated from Soda Springs High School in 1964 and then served a 2 year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was called to serve in the Texas Mission and had many great experiences, but upon leaving Texas, swore he would never return. Little did he know that his path would indeed lead him back to the great state of Texas.

After his mission, Max went to Brigham Young University where he majored in Animal Science. One day, he leaned up against the fender of a bright yellow Jeep. He was quickly called out for this error and met the love of his life and his eternal companion, Janet Lee Hahn. Max and Jan married in the Logan, Utah Temple on June 25, 1969 and recently celebrated 54 years of marriage.

Max said at one point in life that he always had a "crappy" job. Following college he managed a chicken farm in Albuquerque, New Mexico before being transferred to a farm in Laie, Hawaii. After 5 years in paradise, Max was again transferred. 12 years after promising to never return, Max found himself back in East Texas. This time it became home.

Max continued to work in the chicken business until 1991 when he made a career change to manage Liberty City Water Supply Corporation. He earned his Class A Water Operator and Class A Wastewater Treatment Operator’s Licenses in the next few years. He loved this job as he was able to work with Jan until his retirement in 2017.

Max's life was centered around service. He spent many years serving the members of the Longview Texas Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as both a Bishop and Stake President.

Max and Jan happily raised five wonderful children who he was always proud of; Marde Conlin-Jones (Chris) of Pritchett, Texas; Cody McConnell (Patrick) of Bossier City, Louisiana; Kacee Udy (Chad) of Tremonton, Utah; Tai Conlin (Miranda) of Lincoln, California; and Bo Conlin (Julie) of Kilgore, Texas. Together they have given Max and Jan 16 amazing grandchildren who were his pride and joy! Rylie (McConnell) Burhans (Brycen), Ian and Jax McConnell; Makaidi, Briona and Brock Conlin Jones; Chance, Emi and Dane Jensen Udy; Kaylee, Cooper, Kenna and Carter Max Conlin; Cash, Gunnar & Dixie Conlin. These grandchildren spent countless hours visiting and helping with his care. In turn he entertained them with humorous comments and songs.

Max was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Brent Conlin.  He leaves behind one brother, Bart (Ruby) Conlin; sister-in-law Carol Conlin; and sister Connie (David) Bee as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family is grateful for Harbor Hospice, specifically to his faithful nurses, Ashli and DaVesha as well as his daytime caregiver, Dena, who has loved, aggravated (in the most loving way) and fed him everything imaginable for several years.

Visitation will be at Croley Funeral Home in Gladewater, Texas on Sunday, October 15th from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1700 Blueridge Parkway, Longview, Texas ) Monday, October 16th at 10:00 a.m. After the services, Max will be interred at Rock Springs Cemetery in Gladewater, Texas (1177 Old Hwy135, Gladewater, Texas).

In lieu of flowers, if willing, the family request you make a donation to Harbor Hospice to help with the care of those patients who have no insurance coverage.  Donation address: Harbor Hospice 1540 Rice Rd, Ste 200, Tyler, TX 75703.

Funeral service can be viewed via the link below:

https://zoom.us/j/94111567572?pwd=Nmd6Qk9wdzNHeGpuSFhub1gwM1NQQT09