Max M. Fordyce

Max Marland Fordyce died October 1, in Warren, IN. He was born on January 7, 1936, the son of Cecil and Agnes (Pond) Fordyce. An older brother, Robert, proceeded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Phyllis (Burkhart) Fordyce. Max graduated from Huntington High School in 1954. He attended Huntington University and went on to receive a Master’s Degree from Ball State University in Science Education. He continued his education largely through the National Science Foundation attending summers at Indiana University, Michigan State, Northwestern, and Notre Dame. One of the Indiana state finalists for the Challenger “Teacher in Space” program, he loved sharing his interest in all things science and math, first teaching at Clear Creek High School, then by teaching astronomy, chemistry, math, and physics at Huntington North High School for 35 years, retiring in the late 1990’s. He was a member of the Huntington County Classroom Teachers and Indiana State Teachers, serving as a leader in both groups over the years. He enjoyed many activities associated with the students including his favorite, the Variety Show, “star parties”, high school sports, and many other school related activities. He enjoyed signing with the Chain-O-Lakes barbershop chorus and quartet. He loved sailing his catamaran and fishing at Big Lake. He was a big country and gospel music fan. He volunteered at United in Love food pantry after retirement. He was a Wabash-Erie canal history interpreter at the Historic Forks of the Wabash, especially enjoying dressing and playing the part to area 4th graders visiting the Forks and sharing his stories with 8th graders in his daughter’s history classes. He and Phyllis also traveled the United States extensively, visiting all 50 states. His special hobby was reupholstering furniture. And, of course, he loved his IU basketball! He lived his faith every day and was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church where they were married on August 3, 1958, and then Trinity Church in Huntington where he taught Sunday School, and was active in many outreach activities of the church in the community. Max is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis, who stayed by his side until the end. He had three daughters, Cynthia (Edward) Welling of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Pamela (Thad) Perkins of Southport, North Carolina, and Julie (Jerry) Oliver of New Castle, Indiana. He was the proud grandpa to Kimberly (Steve) Hurth, Scott (Stacy) Oliver, Michael Welling, Aaron Perkins, Casey (Andy) Adams, Kathleen Welling, and Abby (Sakshay) Bhatnagar. He also had a nephew, Jesse Fordyce. He also had four great grandchildren. Visitation will be from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Monday, October 7, 2024, at Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm Monday, October 7, 2024, at Bailey-Love Mortuary with Gearld Moreland officiating. Burial will be in Pilgrims Rest Cemetery in Huntington. Preferred memorials to the United in Love Food Pantry, in care of Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN, 46750. Please sign the online guest book at www.baileylove.com. Bailey-Love Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Max M. Fordyce.

Max M. Fordyce

January 7, 1936 - October 1, 2024