GYPSUM — Max J. Redden, 95, passed away peacefully Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, at Windsor Estates Nursing Home, Salina. He was born April 4, 1923, in rural Gypsum, on the family farm.

Max attended and graduated from Gypsum Rural High School. He married his high school sweetheart, Ida Jane (Cheney) Redden, Dec. 30, 1942. Max and Jane made their home on the family farm in rural Gypsum where together they raised their four children. Jane preceded him in death Aug. 14, 1999.

Max served in the Army during World War II, attending basic training at Fort Hood, Texas. He served in the Philippines and was honorably discharged as a Technical Sergeant in 1945. After his military service he returned to Gypsum to farm and ranch. Max loved the farm, planting trees, collecting cut glass, and always appreciated a hard day’s work. He was still helping during wheat harvest into his 90s.

The Gypsum United Methodist Church was a special place to Max. He was a lifetime member of the church and was awarded a 50-year continuous attendance award for his membership in the church choir. Max served his church by being a Sunday school teacher and superintendent, lay leader, church council chairman, the building construction chairman for the addition to the church, and playing his harmonica for church services. He was instrumental in installation of the elevator so elderly and disabled could attend church services.

Max loved music and he will be remembered by his family and friends for his talent playing the harmonica. Max shared his love for music by playing concerts and providing special music to churches, organizations, and other special events. He enjoyed having his nephew, Rudy Redden (deceased), accompany him on the piano.

Max served on the local school board and helped to organize the development of USD 306. He was a board member and salesman for the Swedish Insurance Company of Lindsborg, was a nationally recognized member of the American Cut Glass Association’s Authenticity Committee, and became a speaking authority within the cut glass antique community on recognition of fraud.

Survivors include: children, Nancy Leavitt (Michael) of Great Neck, N.Y., Susann Harvey (Ron) of Evansville, Ind., Lanny Redden (Sandy Diel) of Wichita, and Marty Redden of rural Gypsum; eight grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Max married Pauline (Peterson) Redden, Nov. 18, 2001. She survives of Salina. He is also survived by her three children, Rita Bjork of Phoenix, Ariz., Sharon Bath of Gypsum, and Robert Peterson of Emporia; 13 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by: his wife of 56 years, Jane Redden; parents, Lloyd S. and Hattie (Miller) Redden; infant sister, Betty June Redden; brothers, Hubert, Edwin, Merton, and Ralph Redden; granddaughter, Amy Leavitt; and two daughters in-law, Julia Redden and Jebbie Redden.

Visitation will be 12-8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4, at Ryan Mortuary, Salina, with family present from 5-7.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 5, at Gypsum United Methodist Church, with burial to follow in Gypsum Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to: Gypsum United Methodist Church, or Kindred Hospice, in care of Ryan Mortuary, Salina.

Online condolences: www.ryanmortuary.com.