Max L. Bigler, 88, Nappanee, died, after a brief illness, at 1:45 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015, at Miller’s Merry Manor, Wakarusa, where he had been admitted Friday. He was born July 12, 1927, in Nappanee to Harry and Thelma (Metzler) Bigler.

Max had lived his lifetime in Nappanee. He was a 1945 graduate of Nappanee High School. Mr. Bigler was a United States Army veteran of World War II. He served in Germany for 1 1/2 years. On May 28, 1949, he married Delores L. Roth. She preceded him in death July 23, 2009. Mr. Bigler worked in the parts and warranty departments at Pletcher Motors, McCormick Motors, Stahly Stillson and Jim Moore Motors all in Nappanee.

He retired from the Nappanee Post Office, where he had worked for 32 ½ years. After retirement, Max drove the Senior Citizen Van for the Elder Haus from 1998 – 2013. He was a member of the First Brethren Church where he had been a Sunday School teacher for 65 years. Max grew up in the Union Center Church of the Brethren. Max was an avid bowler and golfer. He was a huge supporter of all NorthWood sports, both boys and girls. He enjoyed Purdue sports, especially football and was a season ticket holder for many years. Max was a member of the Nappanee American Legion and had been named Nappanee Citizen of the year in 2005 and was the Apple Festival Grand Marshall in 2014.

Surviving are his children: Gail Bigler, Nappanee; Greg (Susan) Bigler, Sheridan; Grant (Gail) Bigler, Goodrich, Mich.; grandchildren: Andrew Bigler; Julie Bigler; Laura Bigler; Aaron Bigler; Todd (Stephanie) Bigler; Kelsey Bigler; and sisters: JoAnn Clem, Nappanee; and Greta Welborn, Syracuse. Preceding him in death are his wife; sisters: Evelyn Myers; Arlene Hepler; Jane Bigler; and brothers: Merle and Jerry Bigler.

Family and friends may call from 2-8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, at Thompson-Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee and for one hour prior to the funeral service, which will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 27, at the First Brethren Church in Nappanee. Rev. Tom Schiefer and Rev. Bart Shaw will officiate. Burial will be in Union Center Cemetery with Military graveside services by the Nappanee American Legion.

Memorial contributions may be given to the First Brethren Church.