Max E. McClellan

Dr. Max E. McClellan was born in 1935, to Hanes and Lola McClellan. He grew up in Tracy, CA. At 17, he graduated HS and attended the University of Berkeley, CA. Shortly after, he joined the USAF where he met his wife, Charlene Ann Cory. He attended the University of Buffalo, NY for a bachelor's degree in education. He then moved with his wife and daughter (Patricia Maureen McClellan) to Iowa City, IA, to pursue a master's and PhD in Audiology and Speech Pathology. Max was a pioneer in this field and published numerous articles and research.

A talented musician - tenor, pianist (drums and guitar as a youth), Max sang at the Methodist Church Choir in Tracy, CA and in a band, he formed at UC Berkeley. Upon moving to Albuquerque, Max was affiliated with the Albuquerque Symphony Chorus and sang with the Albuquerque Civic Light Opera Association, the Southwest Albuquerque Opera Theater, and participated in productions of "The Messiah" at Christmas. Later in life, he was a member of a Choral Group, who performed at Senior Living Facilities and Senior Centers around the city.
During his time as Chief of Audiology and Speech Pathology at the VA in Ft. Snelling, MN, he was elected as Mayor of Tower Town (Ft. Snelling) and worked annually as a contributor to the United Way campaigns. He taught at the University of Minnesota, and later at the University in Albany NY.
Upon moving to NM, Max taught Audiology at the University of New Mexico, and was Chief of Audiology at the VA Hospital in Albuquerque from 1972, until his retirement in 1990. Max took an early retirement to be a caregiver to his beloved wife Charlene, who suffered from Multiple Sclerosis and was chronically ill. He consulted at Lovelace Hospital in Audiology, as well as working for several years at Presbyterian Hospital, and as a private consultant.

Max is survived by his daughter, Patricia McClellan Dobbins, and his son-in-law, Jim Dobbins - both of El Paso de Robles, California. His wife, Charlene proceeded him in death in July of 2020. Max is also survived by his brother-in-law, Brian D. Cory, and sister-in-law, Jill Cory of Williamsville, NY.

He will be interred alongside his wife, Charlene at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe as an honored Veteran.