Max Van Buskirk, 82, Red Oak, died Monday, Oct. 17, 2016, at the Good Samaritan Society after an extended illness. Max, son of John and Bessie Ethel (Templeton) Van Buskirk was born on the family farm in Sherman Township, Montgomery County, on June 13, 1934. Max was known to some by his nickname, "Dode." He graduated from Elliott High School in 1952. He married Peggy Thompson on Feb. 19, 1955, at the Elliott United Methodist Church. They moved to the family farm, where they farmed and raised livestock. Max especially liked working with his cattle. He was a longtime Elder at Center Ridge Presbyterian Church and a member of the congregation's Calf Club. For many years, he kept the church's lawn mowed and the snow scooped.Max loved to watch football, and he was a loving father and grandfather, faithfully attending all their activities. Preceding Max in death were his parents; and his brother, Billy. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Peggy Van Buskirk; and by his children, Deborah L. "Debbie" Rannals, Richmond, Va.; Cindy A. (and Jerry) Dittmer, Muscatine; Lori S. (and Mark) Van Horn, St. Louis, Mo.; James D. "Jim," Red Oak; and Rex A. (and Gretchen) Van Buskirk, Overland Park, Kan.; his grandchildren, Matt (and Cory) Rannals of Hershey, Penn.; Katie (and Dustin) Jones, Albuquerque, N.M.; Alex Rannals, Richmond; Lauren (and Danny) Emerson, Davenport; Max Dittmer, Columbus, Ohio; Cassy Dittmer, Venice, Calif.; Michael, Timothy, and Angela Van Horn, St. Louis; Christine (and Brian) Courter, St. Louis; and Carolina Hannah Van Buskirk, Overland Park; five great-grandchildren, George Rannals, Abel and Everett Jones, and Elle and Owen Dittmer; his sister, Joy (and Dwayne) Shearer, Red Oak; his brother, Lanny (and (Maralee) Van Buskirk, St. Louis; sister-in-law, Betty (and Wes) McConnell, Canton, S.D., and brother-in-law, Richard Thompson, Red Oak; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held Friday, Oct. 21, 2016, at the Center Ridge Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Dr. J. Keith Cook officiating. Burial was at the Center Ridge Cemetery in rural Red Oak, near his home and his church, and near the graves of his parents. Memorials are suggested to the Center Ridge Presbyterian Church. Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.