Max Lee Ehrat, 63, of Vernon, passed away Sunday, December 4, 2022, at the HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. He was born on May 17, 1959, the son of Marvin and Belva (Henry) Ehrat in Vandalia. He married Kathy Hansen on September 8, 2012, in Vernon and she survives in Vernon.
Along with his wife Kathy Ehrat, Max is survived by his children, Kindra Ehrat- Carey and husband Joshua of Moores Hills, Indiana, and Bryant Ehrat of Harrison, Ohio; stepsons Cliff Smith of Creve Coeur, Illinois, and Jedediah Smith and Rozanna of Canton, Illinois; grandchildren Hunter “Turd-head” Carey of Moores Hill, Indiana; step-grandchildren Lucas Smith of Canton, Illinois, and Lily Smith of Canton, Illinois; sisters Carolyn Miller and husband Ken of Missouri, and Angie Gathe of Vernon; and brothers-in-law and sister-in-law Joe Hansen of Indiana, Dennis Hansen of Illinois, Linda Ogden and husband Jeff of Illinois, and Ed Hansen and wife Sally of Illinois; nieces and nephews Myra Pessina and husband Mike, Travis Miller and wife DeeAnna, Kyle Miller and fiancée Shea McGinnitey; and in-law-nephews and nieces Lisa, Joe, Brian, Brad, Chana, Jennifer, Ronnie, Casey, Cari, Alison, and Melanie; and many great-nieces and nephews.
Max was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Sandy Brumfield; and his aunts Ruby Henry and Daisie Blalock.
Max was an ambitious man with good business sense, which he utilized as owner and operator of MK Trucking. Besides driving with his trucking business, he worked many long hours while farming. Max had a love of nature and enjoyed peaceful time spent outdoors, camping, fishing, and deer hunting. as well as a crafty man who enjoyed making personalized gifts for everyone . He enjoyed watching his grandson race 4-wheelers and dirt bikes. Max was a master behind the grill and shared his good food with family and friends. Max had a heart of gold and would not hesitate to lend a hand to anyone in need. He was an amazing, supportive husband and father, who loved nothing more than spending time with his grandchildren. Max was a man of integrity, generosity, and kindness who leaves a legacy of positivity and love.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Sunday, December 11, 2022, at the Day Macz Funeral Home in Patoka with David Rogers officiating. Friends and relatives are welcome to a visitation time from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Sunday at the funeral home. Burial at a later date in Vernon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Max’s honor to Vernon Cemetery or the Family’s Wishes. Online condolences and memories of Max may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
