Max L. Hart

Max L. Hart, 81, of Columbia City, Indiana passed away Monday morning, July 20, 2026, at his daughter’s residence in Monroeville, Indiana.

He was born on April 15, 1945 in Monroeville, Indiana to Donald and Maebelle (Marquardt) Hart. Max was united in marriage to Linda Gleckler and she preceded him in death on November 1, 1984. He was then married to Jessica Webster, and she preceded him in death on January 29, 2008.

Max was employed at BF Goodrich in Woodburn on the production line, retiring in 1994. Following this retirement, he had to occupy himself so he began a career at LH Carbide in Fort Wayne. He worked in the maintenance department for almost 20 years before retiring again.

A true outdoorsman at heart, he possessed a deep love for nature that was sparked in his youth through his time as a Boy Scout, eventually achieving the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. This early foundation fueled a lifelong passion for the open air, whether he was casting a line while fishing, camping under the stars, or paddling down a river in a canoe. When he wasn't immersed in the tranquility of the wilderness, he could be found enthusiastically cheering on Indiana University basketball or indulging his love for motorsports as a dedicated fan of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr. Above all else, his greatest joy came from his family; he loved nothing more than being actively involved in the lives and activities of those he held dear.

He is survived by his daughter, Tammy (Kevin) Wenger of Monroeville, Indiana; son, Christopher (Amy) Hart of Monroeville, Indiana; girlfriend, Janet Shroyer of Churubusco, Indiana; two brothers, John Hart of Monroeville, Indiana and Bill Hart of Tamarack, Florida; brother-in-law, Don Gerardot of Monroeville, Indiana; eight grandchildren, Joshua Hart, Alisha Hart, Levi Hart, LaLinda (Jeremy) Schaber, Amanda (Shane) Lee, Logan (Aryanna) Hart, Justyn Hart, Megan Hart; and nine great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and his two wives, Max was preceded in death by his son, James Leroy Hart; sisters, Pat Adkison and Diana Gerardot; and brothers, Robert Hart and James Hart.

A funeral service for Max will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 27, 2026 at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Jacobs Chapel located at 111 South Water Street, Monroeville with Pastor Todd Buckmaster officiating. Burial will follow at Monroeville Memorial Cemetery.

Friends and family will be received from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Jacobs Chapel in Monroeville and one hour prior to services on Monday at the funeral home.

Memorials can be given to Monroeville Fire Department or American Legion Post #420 of Monroeville.

Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Homes, Jacobs Chapel of Monroeville, Indiana.