Vernon Lee Maier, 82 of Russell, Kansas passed away Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at Russell Regional Hospital in Russell.

Vernon was born December 1, 1931 in Rush County, Kansas, the son of Alexander and Mollie (Lock) Maier.  He grew up in Rush County until 1947 when his family moved to Barton County.  He attended a country school in District 96.  Vernon served his country in the U.S. Army during 1953 to 1954.  He was stationed in Germany.

Vernon was united in marriage to Frances N.( Resner) Meier on August 21, 1966 in the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Russell, Kansas.  This union was blessed with a daughter, Christine.  They made their home in Russell County.

Vernon worked for the Galitia Coop from 1959 to 1969 mainly as an elevator worker.  Then he started working for Agco, Inc. in 1969.  He retired in 1996 as Fleet Tire Manager.

Vernon was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church, St. Paul Lutheran Church in Galatia and the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Russell.  He was a member of the Otis V.F.W. from 1954 to 1966 and the Russell V.F.W. from 1966 to present and was a member of the Eagles of Great Bend.  He enjoyed watching sports on TV, working on his yard and traveling with Frances.

Surviving family include his wife of 47 years, Frances of the home; daughter, Christine Maier of Russell, Kansas; step sons, Richard Meier (Barbara) and Herbert Meier (Faye) all of Wichita, Kansas; brothers, Albert Maier (Verna) of Great Bend, Kansas and Alan Maier (Karen) of Otis, Kansas; two sisters, Elnora Garver (Earl) of Humansville, Missouri and Mary Ann Bieberle of Bushton, Kansas; two grandchildren, Daniel Meier (Nichole) and Sarah Meier all of Wichita, Kansas and two great grandchildren, Ethan and Briley Meier.  He was preceded in death by his parents; half brother, Ernest Wagner and sister, Leona Ehrlich.

Celebration of Vernon’s Life will be held at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, August 28, 2014 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell.  Burial will follow at the St. John Lutheran Cemetery where Military Rites will be conducted by the Russell V.F.W. Honor Guard.  Visitation will be from 9 AM to 8 PM Wednesday, August 27, 2014 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6 PM to 7 PM.  A Memorial has been established with Russell County Veterans Memorial.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these funeral arrangements.