The Fairview and Amarillo, Texas community is mourning the untimely death of beloved native and former athlete, Mathes ‘Max’ Anthony Tillinghast.
Max Tillinghast passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at an untimely age of 30; however, the details surrounding his untimely death have not yet been disclosed by family and loved ones.
Born on November 15, 1994, in Houston, Fairview, Texas, to parents Lonnie and Toinette Tillinghast, Max had a great passion for sports and excelled in multiple sports, including basketball, football, and baseball, from a very young age.
The late Max Tillinghast built a strong athletic reputation at Lovejoy High School in Lucas, Texas, where he excelled in both basketball and football.
A member of the Class of 2013, Max wore #34 as a center on the Lovejoy varsity basketball team and contributed to seasons that included a 20–10 record in 2012 and a 24–7 record in 2011.
He also competed for the Lovejoy varsity football program, wearing jersey number 46 during the Leopards’ impressive 11–1 season in 2012.
Known for his work ethic and team-first mindset, Max left a lasting impact on his teammates, coaches, and the Lovejoy community.
Although Max didn’t pursue his career as a professional athlete, he excelled in his career as a civil engineer.
Max Tillinghast Was a Proud Alumnus of the University of Arkansas and North Dakota
After graduating from Lovejoy High School in 2013, Max Tillinghast continued his academic journey at the University of Arkansas, from which he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and was a proud member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity.
Max built a respected career in land surveying, contributing to projects across Texas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Montana, North Dakota, and Arkansas.
His work spanned civil land surveying, renewable energy development, hydrographic surveying, pipeline routing, utility mapping, and large-scale construction support.
He gained experience at respected organizations, including SAM Companies, HSE, Atwell, LLC, and Transglobal Services, where he consistently earned trust as a leader in the field.
Alongside his professional career, Max pursued higher education at the University of North Dakota, working toward degrees in both civil and mechanical engineering.
Max carried certifications such as Certified Survey Technician Level I (CST) and OSHA 10, but what truly defined him wasn’t just his credentials—it was the sincerity, passion, and integrity he brought to everything he touched.
Those who knew Max remember a man who loved being outdoors, working with his hands, and honoring the land. His dedication to surveying wasn’t just a career; it was a calling.
Furthermore, the untimely death of Max Tillinghast has left a profound void in the lives of his family, friends, and loved ones.
Many of his loved ones are sharing the memories of the late Max on social media and extending their heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.
Max Tillinghast is survived by his parents, Lonnie and Toinette, siblings, Sam Tillinghast and partner, Ashley Fahey, Gabby Tillinghast and partner Sam Rich, and Gracie Tillinghast, his grandparents, Soeurette and Bob Cowan, and Jack and Theresa Tillinghast.
The family has organized a memorial service to honor the late Max Tillinghast on Friday, November 14, 2025, from 6 to 8 PM at Boxwell Brothers, 2800 Paramount.
The funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel, and Interment will follow in Llano Cemetery.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Max Tillinghast was preceded in death by his grandmother, Portia Tillinghast.
- He spent three years in Ketchikan, Alaska, enjoying his life to the fullest.
