Max Albert Harrah

Max Albert Harrah, 99, of Brownsburg, Indiana, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2026. He was born on April 2, 1927, in Linton, Indiana, to William and Cora Harrah.

Max lived a remarkable life defined by faith, family, hard work, service to his country, and a willingness to help anyone in need. He was a man of many talents whose strong work ethic, mischievous sense of humor, and generous heart left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Max proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1945 to 1949 during World War II and was reactivated to serve again from 1950 to 1953 during the Korean War. He served aboard the USS Tillamook (ATA-192), an ocean-going tug stationed in Alaska and the Aleutian Islands during World War II, and later aboard the USS Thomas Jefferson while serving in naval logistics in Yokohama, Japan, during the Korean War. He was discharged as a Quartermaster Third Class in 1949 and later as a Quartermaster Second Class from the U.S. Naval Reserves in 1953. His military honors included the World War II Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.

Following his military service, Max built a career that reflected his dedication and determination. He drove trucks for more than 35 years, beginning with K.A.T. in the 1950s and later spending over two decades as an owner-operator with Perkins Furniture Transport, along with several other trucking companies throughout his career. He was a proud member of Teamsters Local 135. After retiring from trucking, Max continued working in security at Hendricks Regional Health for another 20 years, finally retiring at the remarkable age of 84.

Max graduated from Switz City High School and earned a refrigeration degree from Milwaukee School of Engineering. While he held a degree, his family knew that no diploma could truly capture his abilities. He was a master tradesman who seemed able to do almost anything. Whether driving virtually any vehicle imaginable, welding, plumbing, electrical work, HVAC, construction, tree climbing well into his 80s, or carefully loading an entire household into a moving truck without damaging a single item, Max approached every task with confidence and skill. As his family fondly says, he could probably have driven a Roman chariot if given the chance.

One of Max's greatest loves was his 1947 Indian motorcycle, purchased brand new after his military service. He proudly rode it across the country to Washington State, and he and his beloved wife, Chalma, even spent their honeymoon on that motorcycle. It remained a treasured family keepsake and is still in the family's possession today.

Max was first married to the love of his life, Chalma E. Harrah. Together they shared 62 wonderful years of marriage before her passing on October 25, 2012. During the years Chalma struggled with illness, Max often worked two and even three jobs at a time to provide for his family, never complaining and always putting those he loved first.

In the last chapter of his life, Max found love again and shared nearly 11 happy years of marriage with his wife, Rose Strunk. He warmly embraced Rose's daughter, Toni, and her two grandchildren as part of his extended family.

Max is survived by his loving wife, Rose Strunk; his children, Max Duane (Tami) Harrah, Christina (Narval) Fritsche, Brenda (David) Craig, Timothy (Ruby) Harrah, Tammy (Richard) Culp, and Jeffrey (April) Harrah; 15 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren; along with Rose's daughter, Toni, and her two grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Cora Harrah; his first wife, Chalma E. Harrah; granddaughter Heather R. Harrah; son-in-law Jeff Wrightsman; brothers James Harrah and Willis Harrah; sister Leva Jane Salyer; and two infant siblings.

Max was a longtime member of Hendricks County American Legion Post 118 in Danville. His greatest devotion, however, was to his faith. He and Chalma were members of Bethesda Baptist Church for more than 50 years, where he also drove the church bus for many years. He faithfully read his Bible every day and during the past 11 years, he worshipped at Faith Baptist Church in Avon.

Max loved to tinker and could rarely sit still if something needed fixing. Family members joked that he believed anything could be repaired with a coat hanger and a roll of duct tape—and more often than not, he proved it. He enjoyed taking his large family camping, creating memories that everyone still cherishes. He loved returning to Alaska on a cruise later in life, revisiting the place where he had served as a young sailor. Though he traveled to 49 states, Hawaii remained the only one he never visited.

His playful spirit never faded. Even while working security at the hospital, he delighted in pulling harmless pranks on coworkers, including one unforgettable occasion when he hid beneath a sheet on a gurney in the morgue to surprise an unsuspecting nurse. His laughter and mischievous grin became as much a part of him as his tireless work ethic.

Above all else, Max will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and faithful servant of God. He believed in hard work, helping others, and providing for his family no matter the sacrifice. His hands built, repaired, carried, and comforted throughout nearly a century of life, leaving a legacy of strength, faith, resilience, humor, and unconditional love that will continue through the generations who were blessed to know him.

The family invites you to visitation Thursday 4-7pm at Mathews Mortuary, 690 E 56th St, Brownsburg, IN 46112 with services to be held Friday at 12pm at Faith Baptist Church, Danville, IN 46122.

In Lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests a donation be made to Indy Honor Flight at the Indy Honor Flight Donate Page or send checks to Indy Honor Flight, PO Box 10, Plainfield, IN 46168