Max Stebelton

Wilford Max Stebelton died at Reflections Retirement Community on Monday, March 18, 2024.   He was born on August 11, 1928 to his parents Granville and Nora Stebelton.  Max was a Amanda High School Graduate Class of 1947. He was a long time Amanda resident and was the last surviving of seven siblings.  Max was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years Jean (McCollister) Stebelton, daughter Sandra Soliday, brothers, Kenneth and Harold Stebelton, sisters, Laura Readon, Eva Shallhouse, Marilyn Queen and Ruby Hansley. 

After working with his father, he left to start Max Stebelton Contractor in 1957.  He also had a Motorist Mutual Insurance agency at that time which he later sold.  He started the business building homes but soon added work in commercial construction projects.   Most of his projects were for repeat customers and he always appreciated and valued the long-time friendships built over the years with many of them.  He also became interested in restoration of old structures and did numerous projects for both individuals and preservation organizations.  He was most proud of the restoration of “The Georgian” in Lancaster.  His love of old buildings carried over into his personal life as he disassembled an 1800’s log cabin and rebuilt it on his property as they did an 1800’s building.  This began a lifelong interest in collecting the antique tools that were used to build these structures.  He spent many hours not only collecting tools but also doing research on any patents they may have had.  He was interested in what made the tool unique enough to be awarded a patent.  During his lifetime he was also active in many community, church and work organizations. Max was a member of the Amanda Masonic Lodge F &AM, Midwest Tool Collectors and charter member of the Home Builders Association.  He was also past president of the Home Builders Association, Friends of Lancaster Parks and Fairfield County Heritage Association.  

He is survived by sons David (Marti) Stebelton, Jeff (Cristy) Stebelton, son-in-law Tim Soliday; grandsons, Philip Stroup, Alex Stebelton, Chris (Jessica) Stebelton, Jeramiah (Aimee) Stebelton and Jarrod (Nyda) Stebelton; granddaughters, Hope (Tim) Hughes and Kenzie Stebelton; four great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 

A special thank you goes to the staff of Reflections for their care and friendship they gave Max during his time there. 

A service to celebrate his life will be held Friday, March 22, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. in the FRANK E. SMITH FUNERAL HOME CHAPEL, 405 N. COLUMBUS ST., LANCASTER, OHIO 43130 with Pastor Mel Truex officiating.  Burial will follow in Amanda Twp. Cemetery. Friends may visit 1 hour prior to the service on Friday.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to LSS Fairfield County Food Pantry, 2405 E. Main St., Lancaster, Ohio 43130 or Fairhope Hospice, 282 Sells Rd., Lancaster, Ohio 43130. 

To send an online condolence, and sign the guest book, please visit www.funeralhome.com.