Roy Max Birney

Roy Max Birney, 79, died November 18, 2016 in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. He was born on September 24, 1937 in Dodge City, the son of Earl Leon and Juel Maude (Nelson) Birney.

Max was raised in Sublette. He attended high school in Garden City where he played football. After graduating from high school, Max accepted a football scholarship to Fresno State College in California where he played defensive end. It was while at Fresno State that he met Katherine Carol Files. They were married on July 26, 1957 in Orange Cove, California. Max served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. After he returned, he completed his degree in electrical engineering. Max went to work in the aerospace field and worked on the third stage of the Apollo rockets. In 1969, they moved to Golden, Colorado where he was the electrical engineer for Coors Brewery. Then in 1979, the family moved to Garden City where he and his partners designed and built Reeves Ethanol Plant. Max also started his computer software business while in Garden City. In 1986, he became the computer software consultant for Sharp Brothers Seed Company and continued this job until his death. Max enjoyed bow hunting in Colorado and fishing.

He is survived by two sons, Gregory Earl Birney of Healy and Russell Dale Birney of Boulder, Colorado; two grandsons, Geoffrey David Birney and wife Anna and Roy Matthew Birney and wife Claudia; and four great grandchildren, Benjamin, Braden, Brooke and Andrew Birney. He is preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Russell and Dale Birney.

Funeral service will be held at Sublette Christian Church on Friday November 25, 2016 at 2:00 PM with Pastors Derrick Birney and Ryan Riley presiding. Burial will follow at Haskell County Cemetery, Sublette. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel of Sublette on Friday November 25, 2016 from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Memorials are suggested to the donor’s choice in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.