Howard E. Mai, 85, of Russell, Kansas, died on Friday, September 15, 2017, at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.

Howard was born on April 17, 1932, in Russell, Kansas, the son of John J. and Katherina Elizabeth (Maier) Mai.  He grew up in the Bender Hill area and attended Bender Hill Schools and graduated from Russell High School in the class of 1950.  He met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Joetta M. Mai on August 19, 1956, at the American Lutheran Church in Milberger, Kansas.  From this union they were blessed with two daughters Mona and Michele.  Howard worked as a farmer and oil field pumper.  He worked for Agco as a petroleum salesman for many years.  He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Russell.  He was a lifetime member with the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240, Russell American Legion Post #99 and BPOE #1715.  He was a past Treasurer of the Bender Hill Church and was a School Board Member of the Mulberry School District. He enjoyed fishing, golfing and working on the farm.  He especially enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

He is survived by his wife Joetta of the home, daughters Mona L. Grady of Russell, Kansas, and Michele L. Clark of Colorado Springs, Colorado; sister Wilmetta Deutsch; 5 grandchildren, Jerrod, Brett, Kayla, Kaitlyn and Caleb; and four great grandchildren, Barrett, Adeline, Owen and Elsie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Leo Mai, Walter Mai, Clarence Mai and Earlin Mai; and sister Viola Bender.

A Celebration of Howard's life will be held at 10:30 AM Monday, September 18, 2017 at St. John Lutheran Church with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating.  Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery where Russell V.F.W. Honor Guard will conduct Military Rites.  Visitation will be held Sunday, September 17, 2017 from Noon to 8:00 PM at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  Memorials may be given to the Russell County Food Pantry or St. John Lutheran Church.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.