Max Erb

Max Aaron Erb, 88

Max Aaron Erb, 88, of Monon, passed away at 11:00 a.m. October 20, 2013.

He was born December 23, 1924 in Pulaski County to the late Herman and Bertha (Honeggar) Erb and attended Francesville High School until leaving to work on the family farm.

Max was a United States Army veteran of World War II where he participated in the infantry as part of Patton's Army in the European Theater. He was honorably discharged in December, 1945. He was a 60 plus year member of the Francesville American Legion joining upon his return from the war.

His first marriage was to Mary Frances (Fitzpatrick) Koebcke. She preceded him in death in 1961. On March 1, 1963 he married Marie Louise Cooley in Columbus, Ohio. Max and his loving wife recently recognized their 50th wedding anniversary. She survives.

Mr. Erb was a crop-hail adjuster for over 30 years and owned/operated the Howe Insurance Agency in Monon with his wife Marie. Prior to that he drove a semi for several years and worked in the body shop at Gutwein Motor Company of Monon.

Max was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be missed by many. He liked watching sports on television, especially the Chicago White Sox and NASCAR. In his younger years he was a successful stock car driver. Later in life, he and his wife enjoyed snowmobiling with friends.

Surviving with his wife are his daughter, Kitty Brooks (husband: Mike) of Columbia, MO; a daughter-in-law, Susan Koebcke of Selma, IN; a sister, Carol Bucher of Francesville and his grandchildren, Tom Koebcke of Austin, TX, Polly Hines (husband: David) of Noblesville, IN, Brett "BJ" Swygart (wife: Jill) of Westford, MA and Mandy Swygart-Hobaugh (husband: Pat) of Atlanta, GA. Also surviving are 5 great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death with his parents and first wife are a son, Thomas R. Koebcke; a son-in-law, Ronald Swygart; his step-mother, Octavia Getz; two sisters, Helen Leman and Lorna Putt and four brothers, Neil, Glenn, George and Don Erb.

Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at Clapper Family Funeral Home of Monon. Funeral service there 11 a.m. Thursday, October 24, 2013 with Pastor Don Newman to officiate. Interment to follow in Bedford Cemetery, Monon.

Memorial may be made to the Monon Community Church or the Monon First Response/EMT.

Share memories and online condolences at www.clapperfuneralservices.com.