Max Eugene Hower

  Max Eugene Hower, 85, Wamego, KS passed away peacefully at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan, KS.   On October 17, 1931 Max was born to Raymond and Clemma (Chenaworth) Hower in Salina, KS.  After graduating high school in 1949 in Salina, Max attended Washburn University and Kansas State University.  Max enlisted in the United States Air Force where he was a radioman for 4 years, stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska.  After being honorably discharged, he worked as a brick mason for over 20 years.  He was united in marriage with Helen Biester on December 12, 1959 in Topeka, KS.  She survives of the home.  In that marriage, he gained 3 step children, Dianna Perry, Ronald Perry, and Peggy Perry.   Max loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.  He also enjoyed motorcycling, bicycling, reading, playing computer games and doing yard work.  After retiring, he toured the US on his bicycle and motorcycle, camping on each trip.  Helen and Max enjoyed two bus tours by KVSB group, and three cruises to South America and all of the Caribbean Islands. They also made several car trips to the east and west coasts. Max was a member of the National Forrest Organization, Outward Bound, the Arab Shriners and the Masonic Lodge.   He is also survived by two step-children, Dianna Trippett (Derrol), Overland Park, KS, and Peggy Whitmire (Joe), Greer, SC; a daughter-in-law, Kathy Perry, Silver Lake, KS; eight step-grandchildren, twenty step-great-grandchildren, and one step-great-great-grandchild.   He is preceded in death by a step-son, Ronald Perry; a brother, Raymond Hower; a sister, Neva West; and two step-grandchildren.   Funeral service for Max will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at the Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego.  Burial will be in the Mount Hope Cemetery in Topeka at 1:30 p.m.  Max will lie in state on Monday, June 26, 2017 from 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. with visitation to follow from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorials to the American Cancer Society and the Good Shepherd Hospice House, and may be left in care of Stewart Funeral Home, PO Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547.