John William “Bill” Ax, 89, of Terre Haute, IN, formerly of Martinsville, IL, passed away at 8:35 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2015 at Kindred Southwood in Terre Haute, IN. He was born on November 21, 1925 in Martinsville, IL, the son of Ralph McKinley Ax and Mae Rupp Ax. On November 25, 1948 he married Mary Katherine Madigan in Charleston, IL. She passed away on December 1, 2014.

Survivors include his sons, Robert Glenn Ax and wife Sandra of North Liberty, IN and Dennis Wayne Ax and wife Maryann of Terre Haute, IN; grandson, Ethan Ax, his wife Robyn and their daughter, Avery Dakota Ax of Bloomington, IL; granddaughter, Julie Rose and husband Brandon of Aurora, CO; sister, Marjorie Kasky of Chicago, IL; and his beloved dog, Petie. He was preceded by his parents, wife and an infant brother.
Bill was a graduate of Martinsville High School. In 1952, he started as an Operating Engineer with the Local 841 in Terre Haute. Bill and Mary enjoyed flying and were members of the EAA Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 83 of Terre Haute and the AOPA Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. CST on Monday, September 28, 2015 at the Greenwell Funeral Home with Jim Shank officiating. Burial will follow in the Ridgelawn Cemetery, Martinsville, IL. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. CST on Monday prior to the service at the Greenwell Funeral Home, 30 N. Washington St., Martinsville, IL.

Memorial donations may be made to the Terre Haute Humane Society, 1811 S. Fruitridge Ave., Terre Haute, IN 47803.

To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Greenwell Funeral Home of Martinsville, IL is in charge of the arrangements.