Surrounded by family and friends, Robert Max Willsey, of Westminster, Colorado passed peacefully on January 31, 2017.  The longest serving educator in the history of the Five Star Adams 12 School District, Max leaves behind a legacy as an exemplary educator, coach and community leader.

Born in Warren County, Iowa, September 11, 1935, Max grew up in Iowa and Southern California before arriving in Colorado as a highly regarded recruit for the University of Denver football team. A star running back, Max played on championship teams in the heyday of DU football in the late 1950s.

After service in the United States Army coaching football, Max returned to Denver and taught accounting and business while coaching. He went on to district administration positions, head principal roles and School Board Secretary, ending his 51 years of service to education in 2014.

An accomplished athlete, Max ran marathons into his 60s and had a life-long affinity with his horses and Great Danes. He remained a passionate advocate and booster for DU athletics.  He was a fixture courtside at DU basketball games and a member of the DU Hall of Fame.

Max loved to travel around the country visiting family and friends and including as many as would fit in the RV, Tahoe or whatever vehicle he was driving at any given time. Max will be remembered not only for his work accomplishments, but also for his sense of humor and love and dedication to family.

Max is survived by two sons Bo (San Diego) and Robert, Jr. (Atlanta), five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, sister Bernice Pickup (Indianola), and close friend and former wife Dr. Patricia Willsey of Broomfield, Colorado.  He was preceded in death by his daughter Lora, parents Ruth and Harold Willsey, brother Merrill and sisters Ruby Nichols and Thelma Anderson.

A Memorial Service will be held 10 a.m., Saturday, June 17, 2017 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola. For a complete obituary or to submit an online condolence visit our website at www.overtonfunerals.com.