J. Knisley Obituary

J. Max Knisley, age 86, of Frankfort, Ohio, passed away peacefully following a brief illness on Sunday, May 8, 2016, at Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe.
He was born August 31, 1929, in Bainbridge, Ohio, the son of Clark and Lora (Elliott) Knisley.
Mr. Knisley was a member of the Chillicothe Baptist Church and was a 1947 graduate of Bainbridge High School. Soon after marriage, Max began work at the Piketon Atomic Plant and settled in Waverly, Ohio. He then began course work at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, earning his degree in education. Returning to Waverly City Schools, Mr. Knisley began teaching 7th and 8th grade math and history. While teaching, he began work with his real passion: helping troubled youth. This led to a position as the first Superintendent of the Southern Ohio Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1974. He continued his work there until 1984 when he retired to the family farm in Buckskin Township.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Janice (Fuller) Knisley, whom he married on July 17, 1950; two daughters, Maxine (Ray) Mangus of Leesburg, FL, and Sandy (Chuck) Free of Frankfort; Max had many grandchildren, who survive: Leah (Jason) Unger, Matt Mangus, Valerie (Van) Jones, Ross (Amy) Free, Lora (Philip) Webb, and Kristen (Corey) White, as well as twelve great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by two sisters, two brothers, and both parents.
Private graveside service will be at the convenience of the family at the South Salem Cemetery officiated by Rev. John Burris.
There will be no visitation observed.
The Murray-Fettro Funeral Home in Greenfield is serving the family.
Condolences may be sent to www.murrayfettro.com