Max K. Atwood (85) of St. Elmo

Max K. Atwood, age 85, of St. Elmo, Illinois passed away peacefully at 9:50 p.m. Thursday, November 28, 2024 at Sarah Bush Hospital in Vandalia.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 5, 2024 at First United Methodist Church in St. Elmo with a one-hour visitation prior to the service. Pastor Dan Laack will be officiating. Interment will be at Maplewood Cemetery in St. Elmo. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at Pagel Funeral Homes in St. Elmo. Memorials may go to First United Methodist Church, St. Elmo Lion’s Club, or the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be expressed by clicking here. 

Max was born on February 4, 1939 in St. Elmo, Illinois, the son of Maurice and Sarah (Randall) Atwood. He married Patricia Vogel on December 9, 1992. Max was a graduate of Eastern Illinois University and honored as outstanding alumni. He had 34 years’ experience in the banking profession, 25 years advancing as assistant cashier, vice president, president, and Chairman Board of Director at Fayette County Bank in St. Elmo. Max retired in 1995 after 9 years as Sr. Vice President of Downstate National Bank in Altamont. He served on the zoning commission, St. Elmo Lions Club, St. Elmo Fire Department, and was a member of First United Methodist Church. Max was a very kind and caring man who inspired his family and friends to better themselves. He loved and lived in his faith with God. Max was so very proud of his family. His favorite pastime was spending time on the patio watching wildlife with his wife and all things sports. Max’s family would like to extend their appreciation and special thank you to Dawn Voss and all the caring and loving people at Vandalia Sarah Bush Hospital.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Atwood of St. Elmo; children, Bryan Atwood (Michelle) of Tucson, Arizona, Michael Joliff of Altamont, Angela Addleman (Al) of Tucson, Arizona, and Rebecca Joliff of Effingham; mother in law, Delores Vogel of Farina; sister in laws, Ruth Atwood of Naperville, Sandy Zacha (Robert) of Altamont; brother in laws, Terry Vogel of Farina, Steve Vogel (Sherry) of Farina and Tim Rush of Altamont; daughter in law, Jaime Joliff of Beecher City; grandchildren, Keaton Atwood of Miles City, Montana, Azlan Addleman, Kylie Brooks (Jonathan) of Long Beach, California, Ava Spangler (Dalton) of Phoenix, Arizona, Angel Addleman, Alivea Addleman, Adessah Addelman all of Tucson, Arizona; great-grandchildren, Braxton and Landon Brooks; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Sarah Atwood; sons, Stephen Atwood and Joseph Joliff; brother, Basil Atwood; sister-in-law, Suzie Rush; father-in-law, Bruce Vogel.