Max E. Burton

Max E. Burton, 84, of Anderson passed away on August 5, 2024. Max was born on September 18, 1939 in Anderson to the late Verlin E. and Hazel P. (Benefiel) Burton. Max graduated from Anderson High School, class of '58, and shortly after, began working as an Anderson Firefighter until his retirement in 1998. While working as a firefighter, he also worked at Strock Brothers Hardware for 27 years. He married the love of his life, Melanie Bilbrey, in 1995 and the two were married for 18 years before her passing in 2013. Max loved wood working and was excellent at it. He was very particular about his yard and loved going to the Anderson Speedway. Max kept a host of friends and many of them would get together for the weekly "Liars Club" and go eat breakfast together. He and his wife were VIP members with Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre and attended many shows over 10 years.

Max is survived by his children, LaKelia (Gary) Hunter, Max E. (Amy) Burton, II, Tony (Brenda) Burton, and Vaughn Burton; step-son, Christopher Smith; 12 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Melanie; and sister, Carolyn Hilligoss.

The visitation will be from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, Friday, August 9, 2024 at Bozell Funeral Homes-Brown-Butz-Diedring Chapel, 515 E. 53rd St., Anderson, IN 46013. The funeral ceremony will be at 3:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will take place at a later date in Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Anderson Fire Department for the Fill the Boot Campaign or the Madison County Humane Society.