Solomon “Sam” Maier, 103, died Jan. 18, at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center. Born June 3, 1911, in rural Barton County, he was the son of Henry Jacob and Anna Marie (Daubert) Maier. On Sept. 24, 1947, he married Betty Jo Mangum in Lubbock, Texas. She died on Dec. 7, 2000. A resident of Great Bend since 1964, coming from rural Susank, he worked for Producers Gas Company, retiring in 1976. He enjoyed fishing, and pheasant, dove and rabbit hunting.
Mr. Maier was a United States Army Air Corps veteran, serving during World War II. He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church.
Survivors include one son, Robert “Bob” Maier and his wife Evelyn of Newton; one daughter, Judy Messersmith of Great Bend; four sisters, Martha Bender of Great Bend, Leona Slankard of Great Bend, Edna Nuss of Hoisington, and Eleanora Postlethwaite of Great Bend; three grandchildren, Jody Messersmith, Candi Wilson, and Melissa Messersmith; 12 great-grandchildren, Devin Messersmith, Brittaney Wilson, Kendall Wilson, Darah Messersmith, Lane Wilson, Keaton Wilson, Trey Wilson, Reese Wilson, Shevae Wilson, Kiana Messersmith, Justice Messersmith, and Josiah Messersmith; and two great-great-grandchildren, Jazilyn Messersmith and Jaxon Messersmith. He was preceded in death by three brothers, David Maier, Emil Maier, and Edward Maier; and two sisters, Hilda Jones and Alma Stewart.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Great Bend with the Rev. Mark P. Galbraith officiating. Burial will be at the St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Susank, with military honors by Fort Riley Honor Guard. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m., today at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Trinity Lutheran Church, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.
 
Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home*
1425 Patton Road    
Great Bend, KS  67530
Great Bend (Kan) Tribune, Jan. 20, 2015