Max D. Branson
August 1, 1938 ~ December 2, 2019
Max D. Branson, 81, Shelbyville, died peacefully at his home in the early morning hours of December 2, 2019. Max was born August 1, 1938, in Rush County to the late Carlos L. and Jean (Percell) Branson.
He attended grade school at the one-room school house in Moscow, Indiana, and he remained proud of this upbringing. He graduated from Waldron High School in 1956 where he excelled in basketball and track. Max retired from the Shelbyville Fire Department in 1988, after 20 years of dedicated service. He later retired from O’Neal Steel (formerly Shelby Steel) after 30 years of employment. He also enjoyed a retirement job at Mathies Landscaping for a number of years. Max was known for his steadfast work ethic and dependability.
He was a longtime member of the Blue Ridge Christian Union Church and a former church trustee. Max never knew a stranger and enjoyed years of friendships through his memberships in the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion Victory Post 70. He enjoyed playing cards, fishing, golf, and was an avid sports fan. One of his favorite pastimes in retirement was “taking a drive” through the countryside of Rush or Shelby County. Max was fiercely loyal to his family, and his pride in his five children was unsurpassed. He will be fondly remembered by a loving family and many friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 29 years, Martha Ann Branson.
Survivors include his children, Julie A. (John) Barger of Indianapolis, Mark D. (Pam) Branson of New Palestine, Douglas J. (Caren) Branson of Lizton, Jeffrey T. (Sherry Hickman) Branson of Shelbyville, and Christopher J. (Mary Beth) Branson of Mooresville; sister, Shirley (the late Jim) Lambert of Deltona, FL; brother, William (Joyce) Branson of Nashville; 11 grandchildren; several great grandchildren.
The Branson children offer sincere thanks and appreciation to the many friends who have provided support during Dad’s illness. Additionally, a debt of gratitude is due to the nursing staff, especially Mary Beth, at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana for the incredible care he received.
Visitation will be Thursday, December 5, 2019, 4 to 8 p.m., in the Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison Street, Shelbyville. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m., Friday, December 6, 2019, at the funeral home, with Pastors Brandon Sutton and Dennis Hirschauer officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, 2626 E. 17th Street Columbus, IN 47201-5417. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville. Visit www.CarlisleBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
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What a special friend. Max will be sorely missed. He was one of the first to welcome us to the K of C, and always had a story to share. Dilly, Dilly, my friend. Tom & Moe McQueary
Max was a good guy and hard worker. I moved away to San Diego and when i would make a trip home i’d always go see ole Max and we’d catch up on each other’s lives. I’ll miss him and my deepest sympathy to the Branson Family. My heart aches for ya’ll. Love ya’ll and miss ya RIP Max
Dear Bransons, I am thinking about you today and sending my condolences. So many memories of St. Mary St. and your dad. Jane Brinson
Chris and family. Carolyn and I send our deepest condolences to you all at this time. We are indeed so sorry for your loss. Know that you are all held in our prayers. May your father Rest In Peace and rise in glory.
Very sorry for your loss, Chris. Prayers for you and your family.
Chris My heartfelt sympathies to you and your entire family.
I had the pleasure of meeting Max when I took his friend Jack Hewitt on honor flight. Max was his guardian and the two of them together were always cutting up. What I knew of Max he was a very gentle man and could make a lot of funny comments. I’m very sad for Chris and his family for losing such a good man at an early age.God bless you all.
Chris, We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers to your family. The Gentry Family.
Julie, Mark, Doug, Jeff, Chris and families, We were so sorry to learn of Max’s death. He was a wonderful friend and a very special person. We have such treasured memories of our times with your family on St. Mary’s St. He was very proud of all of you. You are in our prayers. We were out of state, or would have been at the services. Larry and Sylvia Spurling
Prayers and condolences for Jeff and all of your family. Sorry for your loss.