7/11/1925 – 9/9/2015
Max Duane Mowrer was born in Newton, KS, on July 11, 1925 to the late Gaylord and Hilda (Phillips) Mowrer of Wichita, KS. He graduated from North High School in Wichita, KS, in 1943. Shortly thereafter, Max enlisted in the US Army and deployed to Africa and then Italy throughout the rest of World War II. He married Mildred Minor on June 28, 1946, and they later had two daughters, Marianne (Witcher) and Marilyn. Max graduated from Harding College in Searcy, AR, in 1950 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public School Music with a minor in Bible.
Max was baptized into Christ at the age of eleven in March, 1937. His love of God reigned throughout his life. He was a devout preacher, teacher, and missionary until he retired in 1993. Max continued to preach and teach and serve in other administrative capacities at whatever church he attended after that time.
Max’s many jobs during his life involved education. He primarily taught Bible and math but occasionally coached basketball and baseball. However, his true love was teaching music. Max was a tremendous singer with a beautiful tenor voice. He frequently led singing at church and even wrote some hymns for the choruses he directed.
Max taught at Dasher Bible School in Valdosta, GA, from 1951-1952; Ibaraki Christian High School in Ibaraki, Japan, from 1953-1957; and Western Christian College in Saskatchewan, Canada, from 1965-1967. He returned to Ibaraki as the principal of the high school from 1967-1971. From 1971-1978, he was the principal of the high school and dean of the college at Great Lakes Christian College in Ontario, Canada, and returned to Saskatchewan to become the president of Western Christian College from 1978-1985. He then moved to Westminster, CO, where he taught high school and junior high at Hyland Christian School until he retired in 1993. He moved to Omaha in 2006.
Preceded in death by his 10-year-old daughter, Marilyn, and wife of 53 years, Mildred (Minor) Mowrer; survived by daughter Marianne (North) Witcher, Omaha, NE; 2 grandsons, Brian (Lisa) Witcher, Bellevue, NE, and Kelly (Kristi) Witcher, Wetumpka, AL; 6 great-grandchildren, Allison (Chris) Crawford, Jonathon, Piper, Chase, Kara, and Kaylie; and 2 great-great-grandchildren, Jordynn and Carolynn.
In lieu of flowers, friends are requested to donate to Mountain States Children’s Home, PO Box 1097, Longmont, CO 80502-9912.
Memorial Service Tuesday (9/29/15) 7:00 PM at Sunny Slope Church of Christ 3606 N 108th Street Omaha.
Marianne, your father was such a joyful, gentle man. He laughed easily and mentored well. I enjoyed his and your mum’s musical direction while a student at Western Christian. They worked with us as a girls’ group called ‘Skylarks’. They were also the ones who registered me to sing a solo at the Weyburn Music Festival. Until that time, no one had encouraged my voice quite like that.
I know you will miss his tenderness, and hope you will find healing in many wonderful memories. With great affection,
So sorry to hear of Max’s passing. He was at Great Lakes during my year at Bible college there. We sang one of his songs in chorus. Praise God for a life well lived in His service! Until we meet again, Max . . .
Loved your parents. He built us a awesome kitchen/living room divider, while she made butter mints and fudge in the kitchen! Beautiful time together at WCC. Blessings to you in your loss.
So sorry to hear of the loss of your father. We worked with both of your parents at GLCC. They were wonderful examples of Christian servants. Prayers are with you during this time.
i enjoyed working with your parents at Great Lakes. They were wonderful examples of dedicated Christian living. They were willing to serve in so many areas where the need was great and the work demanding. They were great Christian servants and loved by so many.
We have lovely memories of both your parents and are so sorry to hear of this most recent loss of your dad. He was an awesome principal for Phyllis in their years together at GLCC in the ’70s. May God bless you with his precious comfort to sustain you.
Marianne and North,
I was sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. He lived long and he lived well, with glory being given to God. I always enjoyed the time I spent around him and your mom—too infrequently, I’m afraid. May you enjoy peace and comfort at this time.
Tony
I remember how Mr. Mower took over for Mr. Willett directing the chorus in my Grade 12 year at Western. I appreciated his attention to detail in our songs. Blessings for you as you remember him.
Sharon Olson
I too worked alongside your dad and mom at Great Lakes Christian College. It was a blessing to have known them ! Joan quan/Narbonne
May I send my sympathy at your loss. Your father succeeded me at Great Lakes and I served under him for a time before going to Zambia to be headmaster of a similar school.
Eugene C. Perry
Hi Marieanne. I was a student at G.L. from 1975 – 1980. I have brief, but fond memories of your Dad while we overlapped our time at the school. Blessings to you and your family as you celebrate this wonderful man of faith and service.
Marianne, we too are sorry for the loss you and your family are experiencing. We worked with Max and Midred in Ontario and were blessed by our association with both of them. A great blessing to have known them and to have been influenced by them in our life and faith.
Grace and Peace
Marianne, we are so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. He was a great man, influencing and encouraging so many people in their walk with the Lord. May you be comforted in the knowledge that he is Home with your Mom and sister.
Our love and prayers are with you during this time.