Max E. Apple, 86 of Greenwood, passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at IU Hospice House in Bloomington, IN following a long and courageous battle with cancer. Max participated in many drug trials and treatment studies over the course of his illness, hoping to gain knowledge and "help find a cure for others suffering from this terrible disease".
Max was born on May 25, 1938, in Sandborn, IN to the late Roy and Ruby (Hash) Apple. He graduated from Sandborn High School and Vincennes University.
Max spent his career an engineer, welder and construction foreman employed by Reith-Reily, TriState Construction and ultimately retiring from Commonweath Engineers where he oversaw the design and construction of numerous water treatment facilities throughout the state of Indiana.
For many years, he was an active member of Mt. Pleasant Christian Church, serving as a deacon and Sunday school superintendent.
Max had a very curious and inventive mind. There wasn't anything that he couldn't build, repair or improve. One of his proudest accomplishments was single-handedly constructing a cottage on Sweetwater Lake in Brown County, a place where countless fun family memories were made.
Max had a lifelong love of music, receiving his first trombone at the age of 12. He was a member of many bands over the years, starting in junior high school, and including the Norman Corns Dance Band, Greenwood Community Band and most recently the Martinsville Community Band, where he made many cherished friendships.
Max had a great deal of hobbies and interests including motorcycle riding, reading biographies, and his ultimate passion for constructing and flying ultralight aircraft. He spent many days happy days at the Franklin Flying Field. He took up wood caving and whittling in his later years and enjoyed making wooden mementos for friends and family.
Max had a wonderful sense of humor and was known for his puns and "dad jokes"
Max is survived by his wife of 66 years, Barbara Apple of Greenwood whom he married on September 28, 1958; daughter Dana Prather of Martinsville, IN; sons Troy Apple of Nashville, TN and Trent Apple of Austin, TX; grandsons Austin Max Prather of Bloomington, IN and Paul (Shawna) Prather II of Bloomington, IN; great grandchildren Cole, Eli and Zoe Prather; brother Carl (Donna) Apple of Sandborn, IN and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by both parents and a sister Jeanette (Norvin) Goodman.
In keeping with Max's wishes, he will be cremated and there will be no formal services.