OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Max D. Crable, 81, of Overland Park, Kan., passed away peacefully on the afternoon of April 28, 2026. Max was born Aug. 20, 1944, at Ransom Memorial Hospital, Ottawa, Kan., to Sarah “Sadie” and Charles W. Crable.
He grew up in Michigan Valley, Kan., as the youngest of six children, raised on a dairy farm and attending a one-room schoolhouse. He graduated from Lyndon High School, Lyndon, Kan., in 1962.
After considering a career in medicine, Max chose to attend the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science, graduating in 1966. He apprenticed at a funeral home in Belleville, Kan., where he also earned his private pilot’s license. He later graduated from Washburn University in 1971 and settled in Osage City, Kan., where he built a life centered on family, faith, and quiet service.
Max was deeply involved in his community and participated in numerous local organizations. As an entrepreneur and businessman, he was a trusted advisor to many. He founded the first ambulance service in Osage County and owned funeral homes in Osage City, later expanding to Lebo and Eskridge, Kan. He invested in the communities he served and was known not only for his strong work ethic but for the kindness and integrity he brought to every interaction.
After retiring in 1999, Max and his wife, Dona, enjoyed traveling across the United States. They spent many years in Blythe, Calif., where they enjoyed golf and time with friends, and later in Florence, Ariz. There, Max enjoyed swimming, watching golfers search for balls in his backyard, and being an active member of the Elks Lodge. In 2024, they moved to Overland Park.
Max was a genuinely kind and generous man. He found joy in tending his garden, cheering on the Kansas Jayhawks, watching his grandchildren grow, and spending time with those he loved most.
He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Dona Crable; his son, Doug (Jennifer), of Stilwell, Kan.; grandchildren, Avery and Colin; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sarah “Sadie” and Charles W. Crable; siblings, Charles “Curly,” Robert “Bob,” Elsie Thompson, Opal Arlene Smith, Lila “Shorty” Baker, and an infant brother, Teddy.
A Rosary will be 10:30 a.m. May 2, St. Patrick’s Church, 309 S. Sixth St., Osage City, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Osage City. A reception will be held afterward at St. Brigid Hall, at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the AdventHealth Foundation. The family is especially grateful to Dr. Gaur and his staff for the exceptional care provided during Max’s AML treatment. Donations can be made to AdventHealth Foundation, 7315 E. Frontage Road, Suite 221, Merriam, KS 66204 or through AdventHealthKCFoundation.com. Condolences can be left at feltnerfuneralhome.com.
