Max W. Shrode

Max W. Shrode, age 90, of Monmouth, Illinois, passed away at 5:55 am on Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at his farm house in Monmouth. He was born on November 29, 1924 in Monmouth, IL, the son of Scott and Myrtle M. (Barker) Shrode. He grew up on a farm just south of Gerlaw, IL. At the time, they had little to their name, but as Max said, he didn't know they were poor...because everyone was. Max attended school in Monmouth and graduated with the class of 1943. Shortly after school, Max joined the Army Air Corps and was selected to the flying program as a Flight Officer (Pilot). After training and flying a number of aircraft, he was assigned to C-47 Skytrains; one of the workhorses of WWII. He served overseas in the China, Burma, and India Theater of Operations. He was stationed in China and flew critical supply missions to support the effort against the Empire of Japan. After returning from overseas, he met and eventually married Colleene on June 6, 1948. They were happily married for 67 years prior to his death. Max worked several jobs in the beginning of his career but settled into a long employment with the U.S. Postal Service where he retired in 1983. He was honored by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) for 50 years of membership. As a testament to his character, he was not done serving after retirement. Max volunteered countless hours for over 25 years at the Strom Center in Monmouth, where he held every position on the board. He devoted his time until it was physically impossible for him to continue. He attended and was very active at First Christian Church in Monmouth. Max was know by his family and friends as a servant, very humble, generous, honest, hardworking, and a man of resilient character. He is survived by his wife, Colleene of Monmouth, son, John (Barbara) Shrode of Macomb, IL, daughter, Jane (Don) Jewell of Monmouth, three grandsons, one granddaughter, and five great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, grandson Jeffrey, and three brothers. Services:A funeral service is planned for 10:30 am on Monday, July 6, 2015 at the First Christian Church in Monmouth. His family will be present from 9:00-10:30 prior to the service at the Church. Interment with military honors will follow at Monmouth Cemetery. Memorial funds are being established for the First Christian Church in Monmouth or the Strom Center of Monmouth.