Max Ganshorn, 91, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away Thursday morning, May 8, 2014, in the home of his daughter and son-in-law where he resided for six years.

He was born July 31, 1922, in Etna Green to Ople P. and Emily (Thomas) Ganshorn. Upon his mother’s death he was raised by his father and step mother, Berniece Douglas.

In 1940 he graduated from Etna Green High School where he was a star basketball player.  He proudly served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Corps in California from 1942-1946.

In 1942 he married Mary King and they enjoyed 33 years of marriage until her death in 1975. In 1977, he married Betty Blue who preceded him in 2001. They enjoyed 24 years of marriage.

After leaving the army, Max worked Litchfield Creamery in Warsaw, Ind., before owning his own milk route for Deans Dairy in Rochester. He then spent 4 years as First Deputy Sheriff in Kosciusko County under Sheriff Sam Holbrook.

He enjoyed a long career in the mobile home industry working for Regent and Cambridge Homes as a P.A, salesman, head of sales and general manager. After his retirement he began his new career delivering boats for Rinker Boat until the age of 82.

Max was a lifetime member of American Legion Post #223 serving as past commander. He was also a member of the VFW, Eagles and 40/8.

He is survived by daughters: Carole Arnold, Indianapolis; and Ginger (Jerry) Brickey, Syracuse; five loving grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren; step children, step grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wives; an infant daughter: Vivian; his son: Tom; and three brothers and one step brother.

Visitation is from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, May 12, at Eastlund Funeral Home, Syracuse. Services will follow at 4 p.m. in the funeral home with pastor Harlan Steffen officiating. The American Legion Post 223 will perform military honors following the service at the funeral home.