Max Hinkle

Max Eugene Hinkle, age 84, passed away peacefully at home on November 17, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was born on March 15, 1938 in Martinsburg, Indiana to the late Howard Hinkle and Frances (Roberts) Gordon. He grew up in nearby Salem. Max’s life brought love and joy to his family and friends. He was very proud of his southern Indiana heritage, where he spent his early days working at his father’s business, Salem Motors, developing a strong work ethic.  Max graduated from Salem High School in 1955, and was the keynote speaker at his 50th high school reunion. He made several close life-long relationships with his Salem class mates. He achieved an Eagle Scout accreditation, and continued to be a strong supporter of the Boy Scouts. He attained the status of 32nd degree Mason, originally joining the Masonic Lodge in Salem, later becoming a member of the Scottish Rite in Indianapolis. Max met Phyllis Linne, from Henryville, Indiana, in 1959, and they were married only 6 weeks from when they met. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Indiana University in 1960, where he was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He continued to be a strong financial supporter of IU, and was very proud to be an alumnus. Shortly after graduation from Indiana University, Max and Phyllis started their family. First was Allan Eugene Hinkle and then two years later Kimberly Ann Hinkle. Max and Phyllis both were very involved in their children’s lives. Max had many interests, which included a successful business career. He achieved the role of President at R.O. Whitesell & Associates, a manufacturer’s representative organization headquartered in Indianapolis. He retired after 35 years at ROWA. His son, Allan, also worked at ROWA for 28 years, and they shared many great memories. Before, ROWA, Max spent eleven years with CTS Corporation. While on the “fast-track” at CTS, Max moved his family often, buying four different houses in four different states in less than a year. He also moved back and forth three different times between the CTS HQ location in Elkhart, Indiana, and other sites. He was fond of his early CTS career, which was an important step towards his future endeavors. He made several life-long friendships during his business career, and was continuously asked for advice. Along with Phyllis, he was able to travel the world, and visited four continents. Max had a life-long love for sports, which started at a very young age. In fact, he would remind everyone that he started his own basketball team at a young age called “Hink’s Rinky Dinks”. Max followed Indiana University sports to the end, and was as big of a fan as the IU Varsity Club had; Go IU! He also enjoyed season tickets with the Indiana Pacers and the Indianapolis Colts. He developed his love for motor sports at an early age, and attended many races all over the country. He especially enjoyed his hometown Salem Speedway, and attended the Indianapolis 500 many years in a row. At the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, he was once the Master of Ceremonies for the Indy Lights race, and would often talk about the private tour he arranged for his close racing buddies to the underground garage at the Museum. Max was an avid golfer, and accomplished two hole-in-ones during his many rounds. He was a long-time member of the Highland Golf and Country Club in Indianapolis, where he was a member of the 435 Golf & Western Seniors Golf Associations. Max was always the one who put together the side bets, which increased the fun and competition. For several years, Max, and Phyllis, also an avid golfer, wintered in Savannah, Georgia, residing at The Landings on Skidaway Island. They were long-time members of The Landings Golf and Country Club, playing golf as much as possible. They made several great friends during their winters in Georgia, which Max sincerely appreciated. Max loved his grandchildren, and spent as much time as he could with them including family vacations. He was always there when they needed him, and was a giving grandfather. Then when the great grandchildren came, the sky was the limit! To all his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren he will be remembered by his generosity, love, and concern. In his later years, Max was an ordained minister, and married his oldest granddaughter, and his son. Max enjoyed music to the end, and was always ready for a good country or Christian song. He was proud of his lyric knowledge, and when in doubt, was always able to make a few words up. We know that he’s already found a newspaper, and is working on the crossword and Sudoku Puzzles, perhaps with a glass of Dewar’s and a fishing rod by his side. Max is survived by his wife of 63 years; Phyllis Hinkle, son; Allan (Beth) Hinkle, daughter; Kim (John) Colon and her children; Tessa Colon Voss, Jon-Micah Colon, Sofia Colon, great grandchildren; Gideon Noel Colon and Bodhi “Max” Noel Voss, brother; Larry (Sonja) Hinkle and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Saturday, November 26, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home in Salem, Indiana www.hughestaylor.net, with funeral services and burial at Crown Hill Cemetery immediately after the service. We would like to thank everyone who assisted Max during his later years. Special thanks to all of the associated Doctors and Nurses, the Still Waters Adult Day Center, Column Capital, Artist, Shelly, and Mia (his wonderful caregivers), the Game Show Network and Forrest Gump. We will greatly miss our Husband, Dad, Granddad, Uncle, Colleague and Friend. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Max by making a donation to any of the following: the Still Waters ADC www.stillwatersadc.org, the Salem High School college scholarships made in Max’s name via the Washington County Community Foundation www.wccf.biz/funds/169-max-and-phyllis-hinkle-scholarship-fund, or a charity of your choice. In Max’s words, remember, life is not a race, but a journey to be savored each step of the way. Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift, and that is why we call it the present. Max was a man of faith with many gifts, and may now he rest in the peace and love of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at Highland Country Club, 1050 52nd St, Indianapolis, IN 46228 on Sunday, December 4, 2022, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.