In Memory of

E.

Max

Fleetwood

Obituary for E. Max Fleetwood

E. Max Fleetwood passed from this life into the arms of his Heavenly Father, on March 14, 2018 in Marion, IL.
Max was born in beautiful Schooner Valley, Brown County, Indiana on Friday, May 13, 1932. He was the youngest of six children born to Treva and Vella (Deckard) Fleetwood.
Little did Max realize how much his life would be changed when, as a teenager, he stuck his head into his friend Wayne’s car window. The car contained four people, three of whom he knew. The fourth, Wayne’s date, was a beautiful girl unknown to Max. He asked Wayne, “Where and how did you find this girl?” To the girl he asked, “What are you doing with him? You could do so much better!” The rest is history. He began dating Rosalie Fritch the following Sunday. They were married on May 4, 1951, and together they celebrated 66 years of marriage until her passing on May 21, 2017.
It seemed Max was destined to work in the field of food service. At a young age he began to work as a server in a small restaurant owned by his parents . . . for pennies. His pay was to receive all pennies which were used by customers in payment. He allowed this to be known and before long customers began to pay checks with rolls of pennies. It was then that his parents changed his method of payment. Max graduated from high school in 1950 and went to work at Indiana University, working his way up from the storeroom to Food Service Director until leaving the University after 46 years of service. He enjoyed every day of those 46 years. Upon retirement Max was named a “Sagamore of The Wabash” by Indiana Governor Evan Bayh.
Max gave his heart to Christ in 1962 and was a member of Unionville Church of Christ from that day on. He served as a deacon for many years. He and his wife, Rosie, were very proud parents when they stood on the bank of Brummett’s Creek and watched both of their children being baptized by Brother Norman Miller. His life always reflected his Christian faith and devotion to family.
His professional associations included The Big Ten Food Service Association, Indiana Restaurant Association, National Restaurant Association, National Association of College and University Food Services, College and University Housing Officers and Association of College Unions International.
Max was a charter member of the Bloomington North Rotary Club, serving as the president in 1980-81. During that year Bloomington North Rotary was named Club of the year, and Max was named Rotarian of the year for District 658. He also worked tirelessly alongside Dr. Michael Hoffman to organize and charter the Martinsville Rotary Club.
Survivors include his son, James (Jimmy) and Julie Fleetwood of Bloomington; daughter, Debby and Tom Dibble of Marion, IL; four grandchildren, Jeremy Fleetwood, Jama and Andrew Chandler, Michael and Crystal Dibble, Mary and Dustin Motsinger; four great-grandchildren, Drew Chandler, Bailey Chandler, Taylor Dibble and Max Motsinger; one brother, Bob Fleetwood; brother-in-law Jack and Gloria Fritch, sisters-in-law Betty Fleetwood and Emily Fleetwood, as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, brothers Dorris, Dale, and Henry Fleetwood as well as one sister, Evelyn Rariden.
The family would like to thank the excellent care givers who have provided such tender and loving care for Max, which include Darlene Heidelbaugh, Cathy Duty, Kendra Murphy and the late Jeanette Warren.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, March 19, at The Funeral Chapel in Bloomington, IN. Brothers Allen Ketchersid and Larry Branum will officiate with memories shared by Dr. Michael Hoffman. Interment will take place at Clear Creek Cemetery in Clear Creek, IN. Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 18, at The Funeral Chapel.
For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to Unionville Church of Christ. Envelopes will be available and accepted at The Funeral Chapel: 3000 E. 3rd St. Bloomington, IN. For more information, or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.thefuneralchapel.net.