Max Leroy Field

Max was born June 14, 1934 in Forest City, Missouri to James Tracy and Lula Mae (Baker) Field.

Max graduated from South Holt R-1 High School in 1952 where he attended most of the annual reunions. He helped in the family business of raising and selling fruits and vegetables at the farm & vegetable stand along Hwy. 59 until is was taken to build I-29.

Max then lived with his brother to attend two years at US Trade School in Kansas City, Missouri while working a job at a tool and dye company. He was drafted into the Army in January of 1957 and was stationed in Verdun, France, working as a Mechanic in the 23rd Engineers unit. Many friendships from this service have continued to this day. He earned sharpshooter awards there and some friends got to attend the World's Fair. Max was honorably discharged after two years.

Max was a heavy equipment mechanic for Reno Construction in Stanley, Kansas for 36 years when he retired in 1999. Once again many close and lasting friendships continued. He is a member of Masonic blue Lodge in Kansas City, Kansas and Scottish Rite of Kansas City, Missouri as a 32nd degree Mason.

He loved classic country, gospel, and bluegrass music; attending many events. Max took pride in his well groomed yard and large garden which included gourds like his mother once raised. Every year large Christmas stars that he made could be seen from I-29 near 74th St. Many winters were spent in Texas and Arizona in RV parks. He attended McMurry United Methodist Church in Kansas City, Missouri.

Max was a skilled woodworker and made clocks, tables, chairs, and coffee tables that he gave to friends and relatives. He traveled back to Oregon, Missouri weekly to visit his parents. He spent winter times with this brother and family in South California when construction slowed down in this area. One trip was to help his brother recover from heart surgery. Often he'd take relatives to Hurst Castle, the Redwoods, old western towns and presidential libraries while there.

Max was preceded in death by his wife of 34 years, Betty Sue Derr of Maitland, Missouri in 1994.

He married Marlys Simpson George in 1998 and they retired a year later and traveled and attended concerts among other things.

Max was exceptionally close to and loved by his nieces and nephews: Richard Field (Pam) AZ, Dennis Field (Shelly) CA, Janet Field Epstein (Bob) CA, Margaret Field Vickers (Wes) NV - passed, Jason Derr (Janene) MO, Melanie Derr Stuckenschneider (John) GA, Kay Jean Derr Hoffmeister (Bob) both passed, Steven Derr (Sandy) MO, Randy Derr MO, and Lee "Sonny" Derr (Mary Jo) FL, also their families: Norma McCurry MO, Nona Davis KS, Elbert Field WA, and Beverly Derr Meyer MO, Helen Derr, Erma Quador, Sharon Derr and his numerous close friends.

A visitation for Max will be held Saturday, August 14, 2021 from 12 pm to 1 pm followed by a funeral service starting at 1 pm both at Hillside Christian Church, 900 NE Vivion Rd, Kansas City, MO 64118, burial with military honors will follow immediately at White Chapel Cemetery, 6600 NE Antioch Rd. Gladstone, MO 64119.

In lieu of flowers family suggests donating to a charity of your choice or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

The family is so appreciative of the staff and doctors at NKC Hospital for their exceptional care and compassion in every area Max spent time. Also appreciated are his primary care doctor and specialists. So much excellent care was given over the last 8 years.