Earlin Arnold Mai, 85 of Rural Russell, Kansas died Monday, July 29, 2013 at the Golden Living Center in Wilson, Kansas.

Earlin was born August 22, 1927 in Russell, the son of John J. and Katherine E. (Maier) Mai.  He grew up and attended school in the Bender Hill area.  He graduated from the Russell High School.

Earlin was united in marriage to Janice Steinert on June 1, 1952 in the Trinity Lutheran Bender Hill Church.  They made their home in the Bender Hill area.  This union was blessed with two children, Monty and Melo Dee.  Janice preceded him in death on June 21, 2008.

Earlin was a farmer/stockman his whole life.  He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Bender Hill Church and later St. John Lutheran Church.  He also was a life member of the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240, served on the Lincoln Township Board, Trustee Committee for Bender Hill Cemetery, Pheasants Forever, Wild Turkey Federation and was a member of the Bender Hill Bluejays Baseball team.  He enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially with his grandsons.

Surviving family include his son Monty Mai (Tiffinie) of Russell, Kansas; three brothers, Howard Mai of Russell, Kansas, Walter Mai of Great Bend, Kansas and Clarence Mai of Wichita, Kansas; sister, Wilmetta Deutsch of Hoisington, Kansas; three grandsons, Taylor Herbel, Lane Mai and Braden Mai.  He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Melo Dee Homeier, brother Leo Mai and sister Viola Bender.

Celebration of Earlin’s Life will be held at 10 A.M. Thursday, August 1, 2013 at St. John Lutheran Church with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating.  Burial will follow at the Trinity Lutheran Bender Hill Cemetery where Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 Honor Guard will conduct military rites.  Visitation will be from 9 AM to 8 PM Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, with the family present to greet friends from 6 PM to 7 PM.  Memorials have been established with St. John Lutheran Church or Trinity Lutheran Bender Hill Cemetery Fund.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.