RUSSELL — David Martin Mai, Jr., 84, died on May 19, at the Russell Regional Hospital. David was born on March 20, 1930, in Hays, the son of David, Sr. and Christine (Kerbs) Mai. He grew up in Gorham, and attended school at the Center School District #63. He met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Emma Jean Gosser on Aug. 8, 1949, in Hays, at the Trinity Lutheran Church. From this union David and Jean were blessed with 4 children, 3 sons Michael, Randall and Mark and daughter Robin.  David worked as a heavy equipment operator for Bill Ingram and Red Rhyne for 10 years. In 1964, he started his own business and became owner and operator of Mai Excavating. After a very successful career he retired in 1998. He enjoyed being a farmer and stockman, golfing, square dancing, computer games and his cats and birds. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Mr. Mai was a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church in Russell. When his children were young he was a Boy Scout master of Pack #134 and enjoyed taking the boys camping. He was also a member of the Russell Elks Club, Kansas State Square Dancing Board and Russell Square Dancing Club.
David is survived by his wife Emma Jean Mai of the home; sons Michael David Mai and wife Diana Lynn (Milberger-Wells) Mai, Randall Ward Mai and wife Diane Lee Cochran of Webb City, Mo., and Mark William Mai and companion Annette Stierlen of Russell; daughter Robin Faye Mai Logsdon Leiker and husband Daniel of Russell; two sisters, Ella Marie Mai Westmoreland of Denver, Colo., and Irene Ruth Mai Harzman and husband Fredrick “Uncle Bud” of Kingfisher, Okla.; David’s 14 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren; daughters Martine Chauveau and Mireille Roland both from France. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Bill and Ray Mai; sisters Ophelia Griffey, Elma Christine Steinert and Edna Olinda Joyner; and grandsons Rex Wells and Jeremy Logsdon.
A memorial service to celebrate David’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday at the St. John Lutheran Church in Russell with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday at the mortuary, with the family present to greet guests from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday evening. Memorials may be given to St. John Lutheran Church or Russell Regional Hospital Therapy Center and sent in care of the mortuary.  

Funeral arrangements provided by
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary*
610 N. Maple
Russell, Ks. 67665
Great Bend (Kan) Tribune, May 25, 2014