Max was born Oct. 17, 1936, in Huntington County to Leo and Meriam Hite Bardsley. He married Marilyn Linn in Bluffton Oct. 21, 1956; she preceded him in death Oct. 19, 2009.

He graduated from Salamonie High School in 1954 and served in the Indiana National Guard for six years. He was drafted by the New York Mets baseball team in the 1950s. He worked for the Sheet Metal Local Union No. 20 and farmed.

Max enjoyed fishing, gardening, and especially spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include a son, Matt (Kristy) Bardsley of Ossian; four daughters, Teresa (Tom) Ibholm of Fort Wayne, Kris (Chad) Biberstein of Berne, Kathy Carney of Huntington and Tina (Dee) Ripley of Nicholasville, Ky.; and 17 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, James and Bruce Bardsley; and a sister, Evelyn Myers.

A service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 17, at the Goodwin-Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel with Pastor Gary Aupperle officiating. Calling hours are from noon to 8 p.m. Monday, May 16, at the funeral home and Tuesday, May 17 one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Six Mile Cemetery.