Obituary of Max Wiant

Max K. Wiant, age 97, of State College, died Saturday, July 2, 2011. Born Jan. 28, 1914, In New Bethlehem, PA, he was a son of the late Banks and Gladys Burns Wyant. He grew up on a dairy farm during the depression era and had to work and help on the farm from early chlldhood on. He married Blanche E. Shook in June 1939. She preceded him in death in November 1976.ln 1977, he married Gertrude A. Shook and she survives. In addition to his Wife, survivors include one son, Ken Wiant, M.D. (Pat) of El Paso, Texas; one daughter, Inez Howe (William), of Alexandria; one stepson, George E. Shook (Nancy), of Madison, Wis.; one stepdaughter, Sylvia J. Flynn (Michael), of Savannah, Ga.; five grandchildren, four step-grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He loved his children, stepchildren, and his delight was visits from his grandchildren. He would plan full days of activities which they remember fondly . He was always very thoughtful and caring, was the consummate host. He Was loved and adored by all. The oldest of 12, he is survived by four brothers, Roy Wyant (Nancy), Arthur Wyant (I'!.logene), Harold Wiant (Dolores) and Dean Wiant (Karen); one brother-in-law, Burn Kennedy; and one sister-in-law, Claire Wiant. He was the glue that held the family together. He was the one who called everyone to see how they were doing each week. He then kept everyone in the family informed on how everyone else was doing. After graduating from New Bethlehem High School, he went to Penn State, where he majored in fuel technology, worked to pay his way through school, and where he was a proud member of the Penn State Blue Band. After graduating in 1938, he worked for Rochester and Pittsburgh Coal Company of Indiana, Pa, for five years. Then, in September 1943, he transferred to Jones and Laughlin Steel Company of Pittsburgh, as supervisor of the Coal and Coke Research Laboratory for 15 years, then to technical supervisor of the Raw Materials Service Laboratory for 12 years and then the last 9 years as purchasing agent of coal, coke and carbon compounds. When he retired in January 1979, he was called back part-time for two more years. He knew coal and coke making from the field and mining to the final steel-making process and was recognized as one of the nation's experts in his field. He was also well recognized for his unimpeachable integrity. He was an active member of several professional and fraternal organizations including the Eastern States Blast Furnace and Coke Oven Association. The American Society for Testing Materials, Coal Preparation Engineers, Aliquippa Metallurgical Club and Toastmasters International, where he advanced to district governor. He was an active member of the Coraopolis Presbyterian Church, where he served as trustee, deacon, elder and committee chairperson. After moving to New Bethlehem, he joined the Oakwood Presbyterian Church, where he served as elder and committee Chairperson. After moving to State College in 1992, he was active with the State College Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, July, 5, 2011, at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St, State College. Visitation will also be from 1 to 2 p.rn. Wednesday, July 6, 2011; at Oakwood Presbyterian Church, Route 861, Curllsville Road. A funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Oakwood Presbyterian Church. Burial Will be in Squirrel Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Penn State University Blue Band, 101 Blue Band Building, University Park, PA 16802.