Max Abrell

Max Lee Abrell, 88, passed away on June 20, 2024. He was born December 22, 1935, in Muncie, Indiana, to parents, Homer and Ruby Abrell. Max attended Muncie schools and graduated from Muncie Central in 1954. He was a member of the Bearcat 1954 team which was runner-up to champion Milan. He also competed in football and track at Muncie Central and was named to the all-state team as a defensive tackle. Max also played football at Ball State University and served in the U.S. Army in Korea from 1958-1960. Max married his high school sweetheart, Linda Holloway, in 1956. They created Max L. Abrell Construction Co., built K-Marts across the country, and was a member of the Carpenters Union for 28 years. Max was an avid fisherman and spent many years fishing at their lake home on Lake Wawasee. After retiring from the construction business, he served as the Director of the Delaware County Regional Wastewater District for 12 years. Max also owned Ponderosa restaurants in four states. He also served as chairman of the Halteman Villas grounds committee for 12 years. Max was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon. A devoted family man, he enjoyed golfing, traveling, and spending time with his family. Survivors include his wife, Linda; daughter, Vicki (Jack) Zarley of Palmdale, California; sons, Mark (Susan Eldridge) Abrell, Daniel (Karin) Abrell of Valparaiso, and Thomas (Amy) Abrell; sister, Barbara Jo Boyd; sisters-in-law, Gloria Mantock, and Beth (Bill York) Hayes; brother-in-law, Charles (Barbara) Holloway of Tulsa, Oklahoma; 13 grandchildren: Justin, Joel, Audrey, Adam, Michael, Hannah, Zachary, Matt, David, Dustin, Dillon, Collin, and Lauren; and five great-grandchildren. In addition to both of his parents, Max was preceded in death by his sisters, Roberta June, and Viola Walls; brothers, Marvin Abrell, Jim Abrell, and Phillip Abrell; and brothers-in-law, Philip Hayes, Bob Mantock, Phillip Boyd, and Larry Holloway. Funeral services for Max will be held on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at Elm Ridge Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 4600 West Kilgore Avenue, Muncie, Indiana 47304, at 1:00 PM, with public visitation two hours prior. Graveside services with Military Rites will take place immediately following funeral services. Memorial contributions in Max's memory can be made to the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, P.O. Box 548 Syracuse, Indiana 46567, or at https://www.wacf.com/donate/. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elmridgefuneralhome.com for the family.