Max D. Habegger

Max David Habegger, 89, of Houston, Texas died peacefully on Saturday, August 11, 2018. He was born on March 29, 1929 in Berne the youngest of four children to Menno and Lydia Habegger. He married the love of his life, Martha Rose Meshberger on September 25, 1948. Together, they began what was to be 70 years of marriage.   

He will always be remembered for his hard-working attitude and his infinite love for his wife, family and cherished friends.  He was raised in a Christian home and accepted Christ as his Savior as a young boy. His love of the Lord was the foundation of his life. His honesty, integrity and generosity were first and foremost in his family life, and also in his business life. He excelled in school not only academically, but also lettered in basketball. 

He was a natural born salesman. Following graduation from Berne High School, he went to work for his brother’s plastering/dry wall business located in Fort Wayne. He felt the need to change careers and in 1960 went to work for Savage Laboratories Inc. located in Bellaire, Texas. He began as a pharmaceutical salesman in Fort Wayne. His excellence in sales was soon rewarded with a promotion to assistant regional manager, and he packed up his wife and family and moved to Memphis, Tennessee. His success in management was again rewarded with the title regional sales manager. In three years, he was promoted to assistant national sales manager and with that, the move to Bellaire, Texas. He moved his wife and three children to Texas. During his time at Savage Laboratories, he was again promoted to the highest sale position in the company, National Sales Manager where he remained until his departure in the late 1970’s. He, always the ‘salesman’, loved sharing his knowledge of sales with anyone who would listen. In 1982, he invested in Big 10 Productions, Inc. as president. In less than 20 years, the company grew from 10 employees to over 350. He retired from Big 10 Productions in 1999. He and his wife began traveling, enjoying the rewards of their success.  

His love of God inspired both he and his wife to give back for the ‘blessings’ that they have received. He became a trustee of Camp Tejas Ministries located in Giddings, Texas. During this time, they donated monies to build the MarMax conference center that would serve as a worship and conference center at the camp. They again felt led by the Lord to do more and The Westbury Lake House was built as a site for hosting and lodging campers. The Lakehouse has four individual sleeping areas, each named after their beloved grandchildren, Angela Hugghins, Joshua Maxey, Hallie Knoblauch Ross and Trace Knoblauch.  

As a member of Westbury Baptist Church since February 1, 1965, he was involved with many of the church’s ministries. His baritone voice was a staple in the choir.  He loved singing the old hymns, new hymns, anthems and even praise songs. He loved to hear the Gaither Vocal Band, The Cathedral’s, The Blackwood Brothers just among a few of his favorites.  

He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Renee Kae (Joe D., Jr.) Maxey; and LuAnn (Mark) Knoblauch; two sons, Kevin Max (Julie) Habegger; and David M. Habegger; and four grandchildren, Angela Maxey Hugghins; Joshua Maxey; Hallie Knoblauch Ross; and Trace Knoblauch.

Visitation was from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 17 at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home in Houston, Texas. Private graveside services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 18 at the funeral home. A celebration of life memorial service was held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 18 at Westbury Baptist Church.

Memorials may be made to Camp Tejas Ministries, 1038 PR 2191, Giddings, TX 78942 or online at www.camptejas.org/donate.