Max Nelson Bodine, 86, of Branson, Missouri.

Max Nelson Bodine, 86, of Branson, Missouri, went home to be with The Lord on Wednesday night, April 6, 2022. God is so good. Our family was blessed to have shared a few extra unexpected days with Max. We are selfishly heartbroken but know he is now at peace in Heaven.  He was born February 15, 1936, to Earl and Maxine Bodine and grew up in Grand Prairie, Texas.

He was a loving, devoted husband to Martha “Marti” Short Bodine and celebrated over 60 years of togetherness on their recent April 7^th anniversary. He was an amazing father, grandfather, and respected businessman, who had a bigger than life personality, never met a stranger and lived with “no limits”.

Max is survived by his wife, Marti Bodine; three daughters: Michelle (Kevin) Stevenson of Waco, Texas, Missi (Dan) Armstrong of Carrollton, Texas, and Dixie (Bryan) Ahne of Branson, Missouri; four grandchildren: Ashley Stevenson (fiancée Jake Irwin), Brooke Stevenson, Baron Bodine, and Contessa Braatz; and sister Anita Williamson of Florida.

As a 1959 graduate from Baylor University, Max was an avid fan of the Baylor Bears.  When it came to Baylor sports, he was there (in person or in his “Baylor Bear Den” at home). Max was also a member of Taurus Society, now known as Beta Theta Pi, and supported Beta long after leaving Baylor.  He continued the tradition of the Earl & Maxine Bodine Mathematics Scholarship Fund.

Following college, Max worked for Esso as a service station attendant in Little Rock, Arkansas. He took any opportunity the company offered and eventually worked with the land acquisition department as Exxon developed Clear Lake City, in the 1960’s. It was in Houston that he met local entrepreneurs who hired him to create Lost Bridge Village on Beaver Lake in Northwest Arkansas. Later, he became an integral part of the resort and vacation development industry. He and Marti retired to Branson, Missouri, in 1997. Max was a military veteran and served in the Army.

Max was baptized at an early age at First Baptist Church, Grand Prairie, Texas, and remained actively involved in several Baptist Churches throughout his life. Most recently he served as a deacon of First Baptist Church, Branson, Missouri. Max worked faithfully with The Gideons International and especially enjoyed placing Bibles in hotel rooms, schools and at local events.

A private memorial was held for the family and internment will be at the family plot in Grand Prairie, Texas at a future time. Thank you for your prayers, concerns and thoughtfulness during this difficult time.

Please consider a donation in Max’s name to The Gideons International, Branson Camp, P.O. Box 1202, Branson, Missouri 65615 to honor his memory.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion says my soul; therefore I will hope in Him. The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.” Lamentations 3:22 ESV

Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks. To leave and online condolence, please visit www.cremationsoftheozarks.com.