Max J. Ebaugh

Max J. Ebaugh, age 77, of Crawfordsville passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. He was born on January 16, 1949, in Crawfordsville, Indiana, to Eugene Greyson Ebaugh and Mary Alice Ebaugh.

Max is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, JoEllen (Thompson) Ebaugh; his daughters, Jamie Jo Pearson (Jay) of Oxford, Georgia, and Mary Tracy Crowder (Jeff) of Loganville, Georgia; and his four beautiful granddaughters, Addison Jo Moss (Caleb), Hayden Ryan Pearson, Greyson Lorin Crowder, and Whitney Mae Crowder. He is also survived by his brothers, George (Jane) Ebaugh and Ed (Peggy) Ebaugh, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Max was a 1967 graduate of New Ross High School. Upon graduation, Max proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1967 to 1970, earning the rank of Corporal during the Vietnam War. He received several medals and commendations during his service in Vietnam.

Following his return from Vietnam, Max married his high school sweetheart, JoEllen Thompson, on December 19, 1970. Together, they raised the two coolest daughters ever known to mankind.

Max had an incredibly strong work ethic, which was evident in his 42-year career with RR Donnelley & Sons, retiring in 2008 as a pressroom supervisor. In addition to his professional career and dedication to his family, Max also served his community through the Crawfordsville Police Reserve Program, where he held the role of Chief for 13 years.

Max was a member of the Marine Corps American Legion, The Forty & Eight Voiture Nationale and a life member of Disabled American Veterans. Reflecting his deep love for his country, he was also heavily involved with the Bryon Cox American Legion Post 72, particularly with the Honor Guard, where he was always among the first to step forward and pay tribute to his fellow veterans.

Max had a deep love for adventure and cars, which fueled his passion for racing. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he competed in Odyssey, midget, mini sprint, sprint, and Silver Crown racing. As with most things in his life, Max approached racing with commitment and passion, leading to notable success.

Max retired early to spend more time with his family and grandchildren. Being with family and enjoying time with friends at Sugar Mill were among the things that brought him the greatest joy. He was also a devoted fan of the Purdue Boilermakers.

Max was deeply passionate about organ donation, having been a transplant recipient himself, and he strongly encouraged others to consider giving the gift of life.

Visitation will be at Sanders Funeral Care, 315 S Washington St, in Crawfordsville on Monday, May 11, 2026 from 12:00pm till the time of the Masonic rites and funeral service at 2:00pm. Burial will follow at New Ross Cemetery with military honors by the United States Marine Corp and American Legion Post 72 Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Legion Post 72 Honor Guard, 101 Walter Remley Drive, Crawfordsville, IN 47933. Share memories and condolences online at www.SandersFuneralCare.com.