IN MEMORY OF: Max W. Shurtz Max W. Shurtz was born September 6, 1918 attaining the age of 92, has departed from his family and friends and gone to be with his Lord and Savior on June 22, 2011. Max was born and raised in rural northwest Waltonville on a farm where he lived and worked in his early life. He attended Four Corners Grade School, Waltonville High School, and Mt. Vernon High School, but he returned to graduate from Waltonville High School in 1936. He was a former alumni of the year of Waltonville High School. Max earned a masters degree from SIU and had his first teaching job at Four Corners Grade School in 1940. Later he was teacher, principal, and coach in the Waltonville School District. He attended the United Methodist Church of Waltonville and the Baptist Temple in Mt. Vernon. Max joined the U.S. Army in 1941 to proudly serve his country during World War II. He served in the 3rd Armored Division through five campaigns in Europe from Omaha Beach on D-Day to the Elbe River. He received numerous citation medals and awards: five campaign stars, the bronze star, Award of "Croix De Cuiere", Meritorious Service of Combat Operations Against the Enemies in France, Belgium, and Germany, good conduct medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Service Medal, American Defense Medal, and four overseas service bars. He achieved the rank of 1st sergeant. Max married Ruth (Martin) Shurtz on December 23, 1941 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She survives in Mt. Vernon. They have been married 70 years. Loved and forever missed by his children, Judy Waligorski and husband Wayne of Cincinnati, Ohio and Jim Shurtz and friend Paralee Scrivner of Mt. Vernon. Max has two granddaughters, Sara Fiedler and husband Chad and Laura Waligorski all of Cincinnati. He was blessed with one great grandson, Zac Fiedler. Max was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Georgia (Fairchild) Shurtz, one brother Roger Shurtz, and two sisters, Dorothy Ferris and Carlyn Hirons. He is survived by two brothers A.J. Shurtz and wife Mary of San Antonio, Florida and Rod Shurtz and wife Marjorie of Waltonville, and one sister Barb Shurtz of Waltonville. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. Politics became an important role, inherited from his father. Max was appointed to serve as our State Representative of the 54th Congressional District in 1973-74. He served and committed his time to many organizations: Mt. Vernon State Fair Board, Selective Service Board, Jefferson Co. Board Member, Blissville Township supervisor, Precinct Committeeman for 36 years, Republican Central Committeeman for 27 years, Greater Egypt Regional Planning and Development Commisioner, AMVETS, VFW, Elks, Moose, Eagles, Masonic Lodge, and Jefferson Co. Shrine Club. He had been employed by the Illinois Secretary of State and the Illinois Department of Transportation. In 1962 he purchased the Chrysler-Plymouth dealership in Mt. Vernon and operated it for 32 years until 1994 when he sold the franchise. He still operated the business at 1801 Waltonville Road in Mt. Vernon with his son Jim as Mt. Vernon S&W Motors and sold used cars until the time of his death. Max's favorite role in life was family, farming, car trading, politics, and fellowship with his family and many friends who made their daily visits to S&W Motors. He was a man of many talents and will be deeply missed by friends and family that cared. Max's celebration of life will be held on Sunday, June 26 at 2:00 PM at Newell Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon with Pastor Ron Reynolds and Pastor Tom Miller officiating. A eulogy will be given by Mayor Rolland W. Lewis. A time of gathering for family and friends will be Saturday evening June 25 from 5-9 PM at Newell Funeral Home with a Shriners walk-through to be held at 7p.m. . Interment will be at Knob Prairie Cemetery in Waltonville. Military Honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post 141 in Mt. Vernon . In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Waltonville High School Sign Fund or the Knob Prairie Cemetery and will be accepted at the Newell Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon. Newell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements where you may call 618-246-0100 for further information.