Wilburn “Max” Hinch was born on April 13, 1932. He is the oldest son of Sam Sr. (Troy) and Thelma Hinch. His early childhood was spent living in Rush Springs, Oklahoma. The family relocated to the Midwest City/Choctaw/Nicoma Park area to be close to Tinker Air Force Base where his father worked and later retired. He became a big brother at age 17 to Sam Jr. in 1949 and Uncle Max to Deanna and Cindy later in life. Sam Jr. married Rhonda (better known as Sissy) in 1988. Due to unforeseen health issues with his parents, Max moved to Grace Living Center in Norman on July 10, 1996, where he has continuously resided for the last 27 years. While at Grace, he has made countless friends. Staff members refer to him as their family and care for him as such. Family members of other residents have adopted him and have spoiled him with gifts and treats. He has served as “Sheriff Max” for many years. Everyone loves Max!
Max has been disabled since birth. He was never able to attend school or live without constant care. Living at home with his Momma and Daddy was all he ever knew until 1996 when he moved to Grace Living Center. Family members were very concerned that he would not do well outside his familiar surroundings and lifestyle. Boy, were we wrong! Max flourished and loved all of the extra attention he was given. Before, it was difficult to get him out of the house to go anywhere. If he did leave the house, he would cry and want to go back home after only being away for a few short hours. The family would give in to Max and pack up the car and head home to make him happy. Anyone that knows Max, knows that Max will usually get his way no matter what happens. But, while living at Grace, Max has gone on so many wonderful outings. Things he never could or would experience as a child or as an adult. He has gone out to eat in restaurants. He has attended the Oklahoma State Fair on numerous occasions where he has taken great pictures with police and emergency personnel. He’s gone fishing, went on picnics, rode a horse, petted farm and zoo animals. He’s held puppies and kittens. He has had his own pet Dove and other type birds in his room. He has played slot machines at the casino where he has actually won a few times. He has interacted with the pre-school kids. He’s watched his favorite Gene Autry, Roy Rogers & Dale Evans Western movies. He has enjoyed the various musicians and singers that graciously come to share their talent with the residents. He loved when Elvis visited and tried to sing along to his favorite songs. He has been visited by Santa Claus for 91 years. How many of us can say that?
Of all the things that Max wasn’t or couldn’t be, he was the most loving and genuine person you could ever meet. He never had to pretend or conform to society’s expectations. He never knew the meaning of hate and has never committed a sin. As long as you were nice to Max, Max was nice to you. He is loved by so many, many people and will forever be missed by all that ever knew him. He will leave a deep void within our family as well as his family at Grace Living Center.
We would like to thank all of the employees at Grace Living Center-Norman, Dr. Thomas Merrill along with members of his medical team and all of the many volunteers over the years that have shown love and compassion to our beloved Max. We firmly believe he would not have lived all of these years and enjoyed life as he did if it were not for all of you. We would like to especially thank Rhonda Richey of GLC for her many years of dedication and the deep love she has shown to Max. She knew Max better than anyone and always had his best interest at heart. She has been eligible for retirement for some time, but chose to stay and take care of Max as long as he was alive. We will forever be in her debt for her selfless devotion and genuine love for Max.
Rest easy, Sheriff Max Hinch. We thank you for your service. We have the watch from here.
End of Watch: January 5, 2024.
Funeral services for Max will be at 2pm Friday, January 12, 2023 at Bill Eisenhour Funeral Home in Del City, OK with burial to follow at Sunny Lane Cemetery.
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