Max E. Smith, age 82, of Marion, died Thursday morning, June 16, 2016, at Marion General Hospital, following complications from a recent fall.
On June 26, 1933, Max was born in Marion, Ohio, the older of two sons of the late Carl and Crystal (Sharp) Smith. He graduated Marion Harding High School in the class of 1952.
One day while skating at the Crystal Lake Roller Rink, Max was spending more time on the floor than he was skating, until a young lady, Ellen Mitchell, helped him “dust off the back of his pants.” From there, the rest is history. Shortly thereafter they were married on August 12, 1953, and they cherished 61 years of marriage together, lovingly raising four daughters. Ellen preceded him in death on March 9, 2015.
A few months after marrying Ellen, Max was drafted to serve in the U.S. Army, a veteran of the Korean Conflict. He served as a military police officer, and had been stationed in Kentucky and Texas.
Upon his honorable discharge, Max returned home to Marion, where he became a police officer with the Marion City Police. He truly loved serving his community, especially when he was on patrol. After retiring from the police force in 1985, he wanted to keep busy, so he served as a security guard at Marion General Hospital for another ten years. Max had also been a member of the Fraternal Order of Police for many years.
Max formerly was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church and more recently attended the Oakland United Methodist Church.
Having a green thumb, Max enjoyed tending to his extensive vegetable garden and his fruit trees every year. He loved bringing his produce to Ellen, who would spoil them with her exceptional cooking. He also loved golfing with his grandson, Kevin, and fishing with whoever would go with him.
Travel companions, Max and Ellen loved traveling together, often visiting gulf side of Florida. They also enjoyed many bus trips with their friends at the Marion Senior Center.
A family man, Max would do anything for his wife and four daughters. He always worked two jobs, so Ellen could be at home with their girls. Then, he was blessed to have another man in the family when his grandson, Kevin, was born. Recently, he cherished his role as a great grandfather too, being a proud “GGPaw.”
Despite being a man of few words, Max was a man with a lot of love in his heart, especially for his family and his beloved dog “Hershey Bar.”
He will be dearly missed by his two daughters: Jacquelyn (Gary) Gosnell and Karen (Keith) Gosnell; both of Marion; a grandson, Kevin (Alice) Gosnell of Richwood; two great-grandchildren: Keaton and Deacon Gosnell; and several grand doggies.
Including his wife and parents, Max was preceded in death by two daughters: Cynthia Smith in 1991, and Jennifer Smith in 2001; and by his brother, Jerry Smith.
His family will greet friends from 5 – 7 p.m. on Monday, June 20, 2016, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services honoring his life will also be held there at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, with Pastor Rafael Velazco officiating. Burial with military honors provided by the Marion County United Veterans Council will follow in Marion Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Marion Area Humane Society, 2264 Richland Rd., Marion, OH 43302.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Max’s family and your condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
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