Deward Maxwell Deem, Jr. 75, of Russell, Kansas, died on Saturday, December 30, 2017, at his home in Russell, surrounded by his family.

Max was born on September 18, 1942, in Cairo, West Virginia, the son of Deward Maxwell, Sr. and Mary (Jinkins) Deem.  He grew up in the Smithville and Harrisville, West Virginia areas and graduated from Harrisville High School in the class of 1960.  In 1961,  he moved to Russell, Kansas at the age of 19.  He met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Marjorie Ann Barton on April 16, 1966, Russell, Kansas, at St. John Lutheran Church.  From this union they were blessed with two sons; Kevin and Keith.  Max started working in the oilfield as a tool pusher and worked his way up to rig supervisor with Praden & Deem Drilling, Gabert & Jones Drilling, Shield Oil Company and Cheyenne Drilling.  When he was younger he developed a love for working with wood by helping his father as a carpenter.  He enjoyed gardening, planting flowers, cooking, old cars and spending time with his family. 

Surviving family include his wife Marjorie of 51 years, sons Kevin and Keith Deem both of Wichita, Kansas; Brothers Roger Deem (Linda) of Smithville, West Virginia and Mike Deem of Harrisville, West Virginia.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Phillip Deen.

A funeral service for Max will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, January 04, 2018, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas with Pam Jenkinson officiating.  Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Wednesday, January 03, 2018 at the mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6 PM to 7 PM.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.