L. Max Hile

1926 - 2022

L. Max Hile went to be with his Lord and Savior on Oct. 20, 2022 at Envive Rehab in Hartford City. He was 96. He was born on Oct. 13, 1926 in Hartford City, Indiana the son of the late Ernest and Sarah (Jester) Hile. On Nov. 17, 1946, he married his high school sweetheart, Crystal L. (Steinhilber) Hile. They celebrated 51 years together. He married his second wife, Nyla (Willmann) Lee-Hile on Jan. 16, 1999. They enjoyed 23 years of marriage.

He is survived by three children: Nancy (Bill) Wolverton of Van Wert, OH, Sally (Rick) Willmann of Hartford City and Larry (Denise) Hile of Hartford City; seven grandchildren: Nicole (Brian) Milek of Canton, OH, Kimberly (Kevin) Fessenden of Clinton, PA, Reed Wolverton of Van Wert, OH, Rob(Karyn) Willmann of Fishers, Danielle Guion of Pendleton, Brad (Mary) Hile of Hartford City, Brian (Deborah) Hile of Cedar Lake, IN and fifteen great-grandchildren: Lya, Kathryn, Weston and Amelia Milek; Isabella, Grant and Drew Fessenden; Abbey, Grace and Katie Willmann; Loralie, Miriam and Ashlind Hile; Ethan and Atticus Hile. One sister: Faith Ann Shatto-Martindill of Ft. Wayne and several nieces and nephews. He also had three stepdaughters: Tamara (Sean) Sorrell of Westfield, Jody (Tim) Stanley of Hartford City, Michelle (Chris) Monce of Hartford City; seven step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren.

Max was preceded in death by his first wife Crystal Steinhilber Hile, his second wife Nyla Willmann Lee- Hile, infant twin brother and sister Duane and Devonna Hile, one brother, Lynn Hile and his wife Doris Hile; brother-in-law, Lowell Martindill, grandson-in-law, John Guion and one great-grandson Jacob Willmann.

After Max graduated from Hartford City High School in 1944, he entered the Army in Jan, 1945. He was a sergeant in the 53AAA Intelligence Battery at Ft. Shafter, Honolulu, Oahu, territory of Hawaii until his discharge in Aug., 1946. He worked at Ft. Wayne Corrugated Paper in Hartford City and Delco Battery in Muncie. He and his wife, Crystal purchased their first farm in 1950. In his later years he farmed with his son, Larry and then grandson, Brad joined the family farm business.

Being a loyal Democrat, Max began his political career in 1958 serving on County Council. He was elected County Clerk from 1964-1974. He then went on to serve two terms as County Auditor. He was also a former chairman of the Blackford Democrat Party. The last public office he held was Licking Township Trustee.

Always wanting to keep busy, he was a licensed real estate salesman. In July, people could find him in front of his farm home selling his sweet corn and visiting with his customers. He enjoyed spending time with family, playing cards, traveling and spending winters in Florida.

Max was a seventy-five year member of Zion Lutheran Church where he held various offices. He had served on the board of the Blackford County Farm Bureau, was a member of the Amvets and the Jefferson Club.

Services will be held Monday, Oct. 24, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. in the Zion Lutheran Church, 308 S. Monroe St., with Pastor Sherilyn Wendt officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, East of Hartford City, with military rites rendered by the U. S. Army and the Delaware County Veterans Organization.

Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service, from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m., on Monday, at the church.

Memorials may be made in Max's name to the Zion Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www. watersfuneralhomes.com.