Max Kent Hetzel

Max Kent Hetzel, 73, of Greencastle, passed away at home on Dec. 14, 2020.

Born Jan. 1, 1947 in Greenville, Ohio, he was the son of Charlene (Shaw) and Kenneth Lewis Hetzel.

Max was a graduate of Greenville High School (1965), the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Ky., (1969) and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., (1973), where he earned a Master of Divinity degree.

He married Carolyn Sue Adkins on June 7, 1969.

Max pastored churches in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio and Illinois. He had a special love for the members of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Worthington, where he spent almost 10 of his 50 years of ministry and was guest preacher one week before his death.

Max was part of the Illinois Baptist Disaster Relief program. He also spent many summers working church camps in Indiana.

An active member of New Life Baptist Church in Greencastle, Max and Carol were involved in a Young at Heart ministry. He loved the fellowship of this group.

A sports fan of the Cincinnati Reds and the Ohio State Buckeyes, Max also enjoyed gospel music, reading and watching westerns on TV.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Mark and Gregg.

In addition to Carol, his wife of 51 years, survivors include their son Ashley Adkins of Plainfield; grandchildren Kyla and T.J. Adkins; and several nieces and nephews he loved and enjoyed spending time with.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 6 at New Life Baptist Church, 51 Ridgeway St., Greencastle, with Dr. Scott Kallem officiating. Visitation will be from noon until the time of service. Masks and social distancing are recommended.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the New Life Baptist Church building program.