Max Russell McIlrath

Max attended Brooklyn Iowa High School and the University of Iowa. He served as an Air Traffic Controller for 4 years in the Navy and 27 years in the Air Force. He served in Korea during the Korean War and Thailand during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the AF Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, AF Outstanding Unit Award with one Oak Leaf Cluster, AF Good Conduct Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal with two Bronze Loops, AF Longevity Service Ribbon with five Oak Leaf Clusters, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. After his military service he worked for the USPS delivering mail for 15 years.

Max was a lifetime member of The Retired Enlisted Association, member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, and an Honorary Member of the US Bowling Congress Colorado State Bowling Association.

Max was an avid bowler and golfer. He rolled a 300 game at Aurora Lanes and became one of few to have both a perfect game and a hole in one when he aced the 4th hole at the Fitzsimons Golf Course August 14, 2009. He was instrumental in forming bowling leagues and organizing tournaments including serving in positions as League President and Secretary/Treasurer.

Max was preceded in death by three wives, Wanda Roudabush, Dorothy Raye, and Dorothy (Dottie) Leisure, his younger brother Wally, oldest sister Velma Shaw and stepson Dale Walker. He is survived by his sister Violet Ferneau, son Craig and his wife Verni, daughter Tracey White, adopted children Glynda Mashek, Dianna Hill, Carol Larson and Joe (Gordon) Castilino, stepsons Terry Walker and William Smith, and stepdaughter Cly Lewis.

A memorial service for Max will be held Tuesday, June 6, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Olinger Hampden Mortuary & Cemetery, 8600 East Hampden Ave, Denver, CO 80231. Following the memorial service will be a graveside service from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698 S. Sheridan Blvd., Denver, CO 80260. Full United States Air Force Honors will be rendered at the Cemetery. The family invites guests to a reception following the Graveside service at Wyatt’s at Broken Tee, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM, 2101 West Oxford Ave., Sheridan, Colorado 80110.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerhampdenmortuary.com for the McIlrath family.