Vernon Paul Mai, 89, of Russell, died Wednesday, November 27, 2013 at Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas. 

He was born January 14, 1924 the son of George “Adam” A. Mai and Pauline (Peil) in Russell.
He attended Russell County Schools and graduated in 1942 from Russell High School.
Vernon worked as a switchman for the railroad for a short time following his marriage then spent the remainder of his working years in the maintenance department at the Russell City Hospital, eventually becoming the head of the department prior to his retirement.

He was united in marriage on February 23, 1947 to Zelda Arlene Gibson in Russell, Kansas. This union was blessed with three children: Terry, Kimberly, and Barry.
Vernon enjoyed fishing, camping, and family get-togethers including many trips to Wilson Lake, Hobby Lake near Lucas, the Ozarks, Cedar Bluff Reservoir, most of the creeks and ponds in the surrounding area as well as a special fishing trip to Minnesota with his parents and adult siblings. When he wasn’t fishing, he spent his spare time bowling and tinkering in the workshop or repairing and fixing things. After his retirement, he spent time on the golf course and socializing at the Senior Center with various activities. As he aged, he would be found often with a word search book or found reading his scriptures as he had a strong faith in the Lord. He didn’t know a stranger and was a friend and neighbor to all, always willing to help anyone in need.
Vernon was a member of the Otterbein United Methodist Church in Russell, Kansas.

Surviving family includes his wife of 66 years, Zelda, of the home, daughter Kimberly Cockerill (Dick) of Hutchinson, Kansas, son Barry Mai (Wendy) of Marion, Kansas, daughter-in-law, Kathy Allen of Texas; four brothers; Glenn of Sparks, Nevada, Stanley of Great Bend, Kansas, Maynard of Glide, Oregon and Donald of Piedmont, California, ten grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Terry, and granddaughter, Tonia LeVasseur.

Services will be at 11:00am Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at Otterbein United Methodist Church in Russell, Kansas with Pastor Earl Haggard officiating. Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery.  Visitation will be Monday, December 2, 2013 from 9 AM to 8 PM at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary.  Memorials are suggested to the Russell Senior Center in care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas who is in charge of these arrangements