After 84 years of life well lived, Max Garrett left this realm for the next on February 5, 2009. Max was born at home in Palestine, Texas to Maxey Wheeler and Edith Muriel Garrett. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister and brother-in-law, Loraine and General Douglas Polhamus. He is survived and greatly missed by his wife of 65 years, Mary Lea Garrett; daughters Judy Brown (Doug), Edie Mandel (Theo), and Merrily Garrett; son, Max E. Garrett (Vicki). He was “Big Daddy” to his grandchildren, Carrie Quintanilla (Sonny), Wendy Francis, Lauren Drawe (Jeff), Elizabeth Garrett, Charlotte Garrett, Tyler Garrett and Meriah Garrett; and his great-grandson, Gavin Austin Drawe. He will also be fondly remembered by many cousins, nieces, nephews and special friends. Dad was a mentor, benefactor, advisor and true friend who always had a smile to give and a song to sing – an eternal optimist. Max graduated from high school in Corpus Christi, Texas, attended Trinity University, and graduated with a law degree from Baylor University after his service to his country as a pilot in the Army Air Corp during Word War II. Max and Mary Lea lived for many years in Houston where he practiced law with his good friends and partners Tom Letbetter and George Payne in their firm, Garrett, Letbetter and Payne, until his retirement at age 70. Max served as a Director of the State Bar of Texas from 1965 to 1968. He was a Master Mason and a member of the Grand Lodge of Texas for more than 50 years. Max was an active member of the Arabia Shrine Temple and the Royal Order of Jesters. After retirement, Max and Mary Lea moved to Austin, Texas where they enjoyed life in the Texas hill country. Dad was an avid hunter, fisherman and snow skier and had a life-long passion for the game of golf. The family met for a private celebration of Dad’s life and shared fond memories of wonderful and often hilarious times. The family would like to thank the owners and staff at the Lodge at Rocky Hollow for their loving care during Dad’s time at the Lodge. Donations in Max’s name can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Texas or the Arabia Shrine Temple Children’s Hospital.