Max D. Manhart

Max D. Manhart, 76, of Marshall, IL, formerly of West Union, IL, died at 9:05 p.m. on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at Burnsides Community Health Center in Marshall. He was born June 1, 1942 in West Union, IL, the son of James Doyle Manhart & Lois Christeen (Francis) Manhart, both of whom preceded him in death. He is survived by his daughter, Tammy & Brent Gardner (Casey, IL); by his grandson & granddaughter-in-law, Brian & Sarah Gardner (Casey, IL); by his twin granddaughters & grandsons-in-law, Andrea & Justin Ashton (LaGrange, IL), and Leana Gardner (Casey, IL) & fiancé Jacob Dispennett (Brazil, IN); by his brother & sister-in-law, Garvin & Barbara Manhart (rural West Union, IL); by his sister, Marilyn Casteel (Taylorville, IL); as well as three nieces & two nephews-in-law, Sabrina Manhart (Copenhagen, Denmark), Suzanne & Steven Southworth (Taylorville, IL), and Melissa & Tom Brookens (Taylorville, IL). He grew up in the West Union area and was a 1961 graduate of Marshall High School. He would proudly go on to serve his country in the U.S. Army & Army Reserves. Following his discharge, he joined the Marshall American Legion Post #90, where he was a member for 57 years. In 1966, he started a family, and this union brought his daughter Tammy into this world. She, along with his life’s work of tending the fields as a farmer, brought him a sense of purpose. Later in life, he could hardly be found at home. He was known to go around visiting his friends and neighbors, and simply loved to talk. Max was also, by all accounts, an avid bowler. Few things brought him more joy than showing off his skills, which he used to win several trophies over the years. Though life wasn’t always easy for Max, he persevered, and that will never be forgotten. A time of visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 6th at the Prust-Hosch Funeral Home in West Union. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home with burial following in the Marshall Cemetery, where military services will be conducted by the combined units of the Marshall American Legion Post #90. Memorials may be made to either “Marshall Schools Foundation” or to “Peace Meals”, with envelopes available at the funeral home.