Ernest Henry Mai was born October 5, 1916, on a farm south of WaKeeney, KS, to the late John Jacob and Lena (Strecker) Mai. He passed away, Tuesday, June 29, 2010, at his home in Wichita at the age of 93.

As a child, he attended schools in rural Trego County.


On July 27, 1941, Ernest was united in marriage to Martha Armbruster in WaKeeney. They lived in WaKeeney and have resided in Wichita since 1952, where Ernest was manager of the tool and dye services for Cessna Aircraft, retiring in 1978.


Ernest was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in WaKeeney when he lived here and joined the Ascension Lutheran Church when they moved to Wichita.

In his spare time, Ernest loved to farm. He also purchased classic cars, (the bigger motor, the better for him) for a hobby and especially loved Cadillacs.

Those left to mourn his passing are his wife of almost 69 years, Martha; two sons, Gene Mai and wife, Patty, of Sonoma, CA, Lanny Mai and wife, Sheila, of Wichita; five grandchildren, Jeff Mai and wife, Tracy, Jamie Mai and wife, Suzy, Valerie Mai, Amy Alvarez and husband, Gilbert, Chris Mai and wife, Linet; and seven great-grandchildren.


Two brothers, Jake and Freddy Mai; and four sisters, Molly Michaelis, Rachel Emery, Elsie Wiedeman, and Katie Bohl preceded him in death.

Visitation for Ernest will be 4-7 PM Monday, July 5, 2010 at Schmitt Funeral Home in WaKeeney. Services will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Interment is in WaKeeney City Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association and can be sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.