NEWTON – Max Odell Eller, 86, of Newton passed away on April 5, 2023 surrounded by family.
Max was born on October 29, 1936 in Caldwell County to the late Dock and Effie Baker Eller. He was affectionately known as Paw-Paw to those closest to him. Max was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He graduated from Granite Falls High School. He was a veteran of the US Army, and he retired from Carolina Freight after 40 years. Max was a member of Woodlawn Baptist Church and also served at Temple Baptist Church for many years. He was an avid gardener who loved to be outdoors.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Nan Terry Eller; one brother and a sister.
Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Kim Abernathy and husband Tim, Kelli Schmidt and husband Darren, Karen Shokes and husband Brad; grandchildren, Matt Abernathy and wife Emily, Ashley Abernathy, Austin Abernathy, Jacob Schmidt, Caleb Schmidt, Anna Schmidt, Emma Shokes, Barrett Shokes; great-grandchildren, Finley Abernathy, Emilia Abernathy; and other family members.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 12 PM at Catawba Funeral Home with Pastor Ed Yount officiating. Burial will follow at Catawba Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends prior to the service from 11 AM-12 PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be to Woodlawn Baptist Church, 440 7th St Pl SW, Conover, NC 28613.
Condolences may be left at www.catawbamemorialpark.com.
The Eller Family is under the care of Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations.