MAX E. GRIFFITH, 76, of Jasonville, passed away Thursday, May 23, 2013 at 10:45 p.m. in his home, surrounded by his family. He was born March 31, 1937 in Jasonville, the eighth child of William and Maude Elsie (Wheeler) Griffith. He married Patricia Roudebush on June 1, 1958.

Max started out working in his family’s “Griffith Electric” store in Jasonville and took over for his dad after graduating from Jasonville High School with the Class of 1955. In 1959 Max started his career at the Jasonville Post Office. He worked his way up in the post office and in 1982, Max became Postmaster. On July 24, 1988, after serving a term as District President and State Vice President, Max was sworn in as State President of the National Association of Postmasters of the United States (NAPUS). He served 2 terms as State President before becoming National Vice President of NAPUS in 1992. Max also served for years as the State NAPUS Historian. He retired from the post office in 2003, after 43 years of service.

In 1989, The Governor of Kentucky awarded Max with a commission, making him a Kentucky Colonel. Max was also awarded the “Sagamore of the Wabash” by Governor Bayh in 1990. These are the highest awards given by the governors of each state. He also received a key to the City of Indianapolis by the Indianapolis Mayor.

Max has served as Jasonville Town Historian, writing a column called “Remembering Time” for the local newspaper in the 1980’s, and “The Jasonville Story II” in 2008. He was past Chamber of Commerce President and Secretary, past President of the Alumni Association (twice), and Homecoming Parade Announcer for 20 years. He received the JHS/SHS “Distinguished Alumni” Award in 2005. In 2008 he received the Ed Sheppard Award by Jasonville Mayor, Roy Terrell. The award is presented to persons who love Jasonville, have a positive attitude toward the community, and who have been involved in working toward the progress and well-being of Jasonville. He was an avid Colts fan, fisherman, and genealogist.

He is preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and two sisters. He is survived by his wife of 55 years; his children, Ramona Phipps (Robert Cummins), Terre Haute; Steve Griffith, Jasonville; and Brent Griffith, Plainfield; his grandchildren, Amanda Bedsaul (Josh), Foley, Alabama; Chelsea Hertaus, Terre Haute; Tricia Phipps, Terre Haute; and Trenten Griffith, Plainfield; his great grandchildren, Tyler, Trevor, Madilynn, Foley, Alabama; Zaden, and Zoe, Terre Haute.

Arrangements were entrusted to Michael W. Cox, Cox Funeral Home; 218 South Meridian Street; Jasonville, Indiana with Visitation scheduled from 5-9 p.m. Tuesday and 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. service time Wednesday at the Funeral Home. Funeral Services were 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at the Cox Funeral Home with Pastor Sam Bush, Pastor Mark Messmer and Hospice Chaplain Ric May officiating.

Burial followed in Lebanon Cemetery in Midland, IN.

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