Max R. Fuller

Born December 14, 1927, in Webster, Iowa to William E. and Wilda Kramer Fuller, Max spent his early years living the farm life with his parents and sister, Frances, who preceded him in death. He enjoyed playing sports in school, especially baseball and basketball. At age 14, he even became the school bus driver due to so many men going off to war. Following a tour in the U.S. Navy, Max attended Iowa State Teacher’s College (now the University of Northern Iowa), where he met the love of his life, Donna. They married in 1951 and moved to Alta, Iowa where they both taught in the public school and also welcomed daughters, Barbara and Diane, to their family. During the summer, Max attended the University of Minnesota, where he earned a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology. After moving to Longmont, Colorado in 1967, Max taught Business Education classes at Longmont High School. During that time, he earned an Educational Specialist’s degree in College Student Personnel Work from the University of Northern Colorado. He then joined the administrative staff as the Director of Student Financial Aid at Northwest Missouri State College in Maryville, Missouri. But Colorado beckoned, so Max accepted a position as the first principal of the Career Development Center, a Vocational-Technical school, in Longmont, which he held for 20 years. During this time he also taught post-secondary accounting classes at night school.

Max’s passion was education, which was evidenced by numerous extra efforts along the way — from teaching summer driver’s training; to serving as the Junior Class sponsor where homecoming floats, school dances and events, and mentoring students were a regular occurrence; to advocating for educational opportunities for every level of student. Max always went the extra mile to relate school learning to real world experience for his students. Working with young people as they prepared to find their own way in the world was his greatest pleasure as an educator. After 40 years, Max retired in 1991; however, he continued to teach others by serving for 20 years as a volunteer instructor in the AARP Safe Driving Program for Seniors. He taught more than 600 classes, training over 8,600 drivers. Because of his efforts, he was recognized as a Denver Channel 7 “Everyday Hero,” received the Longmont Rotary Club Compassion Award, and was twice named a Colorado Driver Safety Volunteer of the Year.

When he wasn’t teaching, Max loved camping with his family and visiting various National and State Parks, as well as driving to scenic locations primarily in the Western U.S. He also enjoyed spectator sports, especially the Denver Nuggets and Broncos, Colorado Rockies, and Chicago Cubs. Max was a devoted husband and father. Married for an amazing 70 years, he and Donna raised two daughters in whom he instilled the values of responsibility, morality, and the importance of education. Max was very proud of his daughters, and they attribute his incredible work ethic as the driving force behind their achievements — Barbara as an elementary school teacher for 38 years, and Diane in her 30 years with the Federal Aviation Administration.

Max is survived by his wife, Donna; daughters Barbara Schulze (Randy) and Diane Fuller (Lee Fullner); many dear relatives; wonderful friends; and numerous students of all ages whom he had the pleasure of teaching.

Max will be remembered as a loving and supportive husband, a wonderful and wholehearted father, a true friend, and a dedicated teacher. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to be kind to all you encounter, live your life with compassion, cheer for the Denver Nuggets and Broncos even when they’re losing, and never hesitate to teach someone something that will enhance their life.