Max E. Coleman, 87 died Dec. 17, 2009, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born on March 8, 1922, in Hutchinson to William D. and Bertha Scott Coleman.

He was a lifetime Hutchinson resident. He was a graduate of Hutchinson High School in 1940, he attended Hutchinson Junior College and graduate from Kansas State University in 1949 with a degree in Architectural and Structural Engineering.

Following his graduation he worked for Mann and Company Architects as a Structural Engineer, then worked for Hutchinson Foundry and Steel Co. In 1962, he started his own firm, Engineering Consultants, remaining there until selling the business in 1983. He continued as an engineering expert witness in court cases, asbestos inspections, structural inspections of commercial buildings and residences and fully retired from engineering in 1995.

He was a member of the Kansas Professional Engineering Society, Kansas Arbitration Board of Engineering and Architects. Served on the City of Hutchinson Building and Inspection Committee and was a former member of the Hutchinson Rotary Club and Civitan Club. He was a Cub Scout leader in the 1950s.

A charter member of Trinity United Methodist Church, served on the building committee, board of trustees, was a lay leader and taught Jr. High Sunday School.

He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, stationed in Norwich, England. A turret gunner flying on a B-24, Max was shot down over Stutgart, Germany on July 22, 1944. He was a prisoner of war at Stalug Luft 1V and was freed May 22, 1945.

On June 28, 1946, he married Lois Sheppard in Hutchinson. She survives. Other survivors include: a son, Ted Coleman and wife Carol, Wichita; a daughter, Patti Coleman, Wichita; and three grandchildren, Chase Coleman, Chelsea and Taylor Cross, all of Wichita.

He was preceded in death by a son, Ricky; a daughter, Marcia; a son-in-law, Guy Cooper; his parents; two brothers, Robert and Eugene; and a sister Myrland Stephenson.

Memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Trinity United Methodist Church, Hutchinson, with Rev. Pat Ault-Duell officiating. Friends may call from 9 to 9 Saturday, Sunday and Monday at Elliott Mortuary. Graveside service will be in Fairlawn Cemetery, Hutchinson, at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, with military graveside rites conducted by the McConnell Air Force Base Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Trinity United Methodist Church Youth Programs, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers or the Vasulitis Foundation in care of the mortuary.

Visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave condolences for the family.