J. Max Gentry

GREENFIELD – Extension Agent, Banker, and Livestock Breeder J. Max Gentry, 84, of Greenfield, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, August 19, 2020 at Hancock Regional Hospital. Mr. Gentry was born in Crawfordsville, Indiana on July 21, 1936 to Kenneth and Julia (Young) Gentry. He moved to Hancock County in 1959. On September 13, 1959, he married Marlene Sue Pyle of Waveland, Indiana. He was a 1954 graduate of Waveland High School and a 1958 graduate of Purdue University, from which he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science. Mr. Gentry served as Purdue Extension Assistant County Agent in Hancock and Hendricks counties from 1959 through 1963. He returned to Hancock County as County Extension Agent from 1963 through 1976. He was named County Agent of the Year in 1966, 1967, and 1968 by the Indiana Livestock Breeders Association. He was Vice-President of the Greenfield Banking Company serving in the farm and commercial loan area. He worked closely with the Hancock County Fair for 37 years, serving as Purdue Extension Agent. After moving to the bank, he was Treasurer of the Hancock County 4-H Association for 13 years. Mr. Gentry was inducted into the Indiana Association of County and District Fairs “Hall of Fame” in 1989. He also worked in the Cattle and Swine departments of the Indiana State Fair for 20 years. Mr. Gentry was a charter member of the Indiana Beef Cattle Association and served on its Board of Directors. He was a member of the American Shorthorn Association since 1946. He received the Community Service to Agriculture Award from the Hancock County Farm Bureau in 1976 and 1990. He was an Honorary Chapter Farmer of Future Farmers of America. Mr. Gentry was a member of Faith Lutheran Church and had served as Elder, Financial Secretary, and Treasurer. He also held memberships in the John Purdue Club, American Shorthorn Association, Indiana Shorthorn Association, Hancock County Cattlemen’s Association, and American Berkshire Association. He served in the Indian National Guard for 6 years. Surviving along with his wife Marlene, are three children: Michael Gentry (Susan), Michelle Acton (Brad), and Melissa Gentry. Also surviving are three grandchildren: Matthew Gentry (Abby), Stephen Gentry (Sara), and Braden Acton; two great-grandchildren, Mason Gentry and Scarlett Gentry; brother Don Gentry (Carol) of West Lafayette, IN; and three nephews and two nieces. He was preceded in death by his brother, Dale Stanton Gentry. Visitation will be held on Monday, August 24, 2020, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W. US Hwy. 40, Greenfield, IN 46140. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 200 W McKenzie Rd, Greenfield, IN 46140. Rev. Wm. Daniel O'Connor will be officiating. Private family burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery in Crawfordsville. As a reminder, masks are required in public indoor spaces and please practice social distancing. The family requests memorial contributions can be made to the Faith Lutheran Church Endowment Fund, 200 West McKenzie Road, Greenfield, Indiana 46140 or donate on-line to the John Max Gentry Memorial Fund or Agricultural Association Endowment Fund at www.giveHCgrowHC.org or make checks payable to the HCCF-Gentry Fund or Agricultural Association Endowment Fund. Please mail to 312 E. Main Street, Greenfield, IN 46140. Envelopes will be available at the mortuary and church. Friends may share a memory or condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com.

J. Max Gentry

July 21, 1936 - August 19, 2020