Max Neal Field

Max N. Field, 74, retired Sedgwick County Bureau director, passed away March 20, 2009, at Homestead Health Center, Wichita.

Max was born January 19, 1935 to Clarence and Marjorie (Clemons) Field in Burr Oak, KS. Max was a very proud graduate of the Class of '53 from Planeview High School. Until his illness, Max enjoyed going to the Friday breakfasts with Planeview classmates. Also, until the past few years, Max enjoyed working with Planeview alumni on the class reunion committee.

Max enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served as ordinance specialist. Max graduated from Friends University while working nights loading baggage at the bus depot. He worked as a psychiatric social worker in Neodesha, KS and as a psychiatric aide at Osawatomie State Hospital. While working there he met his wife, Cassandra, at a state conference in Wichita. Max also worked weekends during this time at the mental health center in Pittsburg, KS.

Max and Cassandra (Cassie) Morris married in 1964 and have had a wonderful marriage for over 44 years. Two children were born of this marriage: Kevin Wayne Field (deceased in 2000) and Kristi Marie Emerson.

Max earned his Masters Degree in Social Work from Kansas University in 1966. He greatly enjoyed his career and felt fortunate that he was helping people. Max worked several years at Sedgwick County Mental Health Department.

Max enjoyed dancing, going to the south Y, exercising, and visiting with friends. He loved all sporting events and ran on the track until age 72. Max had a wonderful positive outlook, even through his illness.

Max was a member of the American Legion and Central Community Church.

Predeceasing Max, in addition to his parents, were his brother Bud Lowell Field, brother Lewis Field, sister Ila Schmid, and son Kevin Field. Survivors include his wife Cassie, daughter Kristi Emerson; four grandchildren Amy, Sophie, Gus, and Aidan Emerson of Wichita, KS; brother Joe Field of Copperas Cove, Tx; Mother-in-law Jewell Morris of Pittsburg, KS; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Judi and John Mahin of Shawnee KS and nieces, nephews and cousins.

THe family wishes to thank the professional and caring staff of Homestead Health Center, and Dr. Steven Penner and Amedisys Hospice Services.

Funeral services will be on Monday March 23, 2009 at 10:30 am at Melby Mortuary Chapel, Mankato, Kansas, with Pastor Laura Fricker officiating. Ruth Clegg was the organist, and Wayne Fogo, was the soloist, who sang: "It IS Well with My Soul", "Amazing Grace" and "How Great Thou Art." Military honors were presented by the United States Marine Honor Guard, and burial in Esbon Cemetery, Esbon, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Raninbows United, Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation, and Central Community Church.

Max will be always respected and loved and deeply missed by his family and friends. We thank you, Max, for your wonderful life!