RUSSELL — Earlin Arnold Mai, 85, died July 29 at the Golden Living Center in Wilson. Born Aug. 22, 1927 in Russell, he was the son of John J. and Katherine E. (Maier) Mai. He grew up and attended school in the Bender Hill area and graduated from Russell High School. Earlin was united in marriage to Janice Steinert on June 1, 1952 at the Trinity Lutheran Bender Hill Church. Janice preceded him in death on June 21, 2008. Earlin was a farmer/stockman his whole life.
Mr. Mai was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Bender Hill Church and later St. John Lutheran Church. He also was a life member of the Russell Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6240, served on the Lincoln Township Board, Trustee Committee for Bender Hill Cemetery, Pheasants Forever, Wild Turkey Federation and was a member of the Bender Hill Bluejays Baseball team.
Survivors include his son Monty Mai of Russell; three brothers, Howard Mai of Russell, Walter Mai of Great Bend, and Clarence Mai of Wichita; sister, Wilmetta Deutsch of Hoisington; and three grandsons. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Melo Dee Homeier; brother Leo Mai; and sister Viola Bender.
Celebration of Earlin’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday at St. John Lutheran Church with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating. Burial will follow at the Trinity Lutheran Bender Hill Cemetery where Russell VFW Post 6240 Honor Guard will conduct military rites. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. today, with the family present to greet friends from 6 to 7 p.m., at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell. Memorials have been established with St. John Lutheran Church or Trinity Lutheran Bender Hill Cemetery Fund in care of the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary
610 N. Maple
Russell, Ks. 67665
Great Bend (Kan) Tribune, July 31, 2013