Max Mason Woolsey

Max Mason Woolsey, 96, of Daleville, IN was born Wednesday March 4, 1925, in Bicknell, IN the son of William and Marah Woolsey. Max attended Linton High School in Linton, IN. As many young men did during our time of war, Max left high school and joined the Merchant Marines.

Upon returning to Linton from the Merchant Marines, Max graduated high school in 1945.  During 1945 Max was selected as a member of the 1945 Indiana Basketball All-Star team. His All-Star jersey was presented to Linton High School in 2003 and is on display.

After high school Max earned a full scholarship to attend Indiana State University in Terre Haute Indiana. Max played basketball under the legendary coach John Wooden and played football.

Upon graduation earning his Bachelor of Science degree Max was offered a contract to play fullback for the Detroit Lions.  "They cut me before the season started" as he tells the story. After being cut from the Lions, Max went on to play basketball with the Harlem Globetrotters where he was part of the team that played against them.  Between 1950 and 1952 Max traveled all over the world playing with the Globetrotters and was seen in the Harlem Globetrotters movies and books during the time.

After touring with the Globetrotters, Max went back to college and earned a teaching certificate in physical education and industrial arts.

May 28, 1955, Max married the love of his life Jeanne Phillips from Linton.

Max began his teaching and coaching career in Brockton, IL then came back to Indiana where he spent time at both Oden and Linton. While teaching and coaching in Linton he and his wife started their family having two sons Bill and David.

Max then moved his family to Daleville, IN where he taught and coached. In 1971 he earned his Master of Arts degree from Ball State University. Leaving Daleville, Max then spent the rest of his career teaching and coaching football, basketball, in the Muncie School system primarily at McKinley Junior High before retiring in 1988.

Max has been a long-time member of the Elks Club in Linton, IN. He was an avid sports fan and spent most of free time watching sports. He enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing.  He was not only an athletic coach all his adult life but was also a life coach to his two sons and in their view, they had the best Dad Ever!

Max passed into the hands of our lord on Wednesday January 12, 2022 and is going to be greatly missed by his loving family and those that knew him.

Max was preceded in death by both of his parents. Sisters Margaret, Juanita, Francis, and his brother Bill.

Max is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, his two sons, and his brother Marion Woolsey of New Castle, IN.  Max is also survived by numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Viewing will be Wednesday, January 19th, 2022, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Ballard & Sons Funeral Home in Daleville, IN, with funeral services conducted immediately following with Pastor Ned Clark officiating. Graveside service and burial will be Friday, January 21st at 11:00 a.m. at Linton Municipal Fairview Cemetery in Linton, IN.

In lieu of flowers, the family request any memorial contributions to be sent to the charity of their choice in memory of Max Mason Woolsey.  You may express condolences or share memories of Max at www.ballardandsons.com .