On Monday, April 10th, 2023, Lewis Max McClay passed away peacefully at the age of 88. Max was preceded in death by his wife Farrell (Keas). Max and Farrell were married for 62 years. Max McClay is survived by his four daughters Renie McClay (Mike Beasley), Kristy McClay, Teri Rounsaville (George), and Merri Kruzan (Phil). He is also survived by grandchildren Nicholas Gauss (Rylan Deer), Philip Kruzan Jr. (Ellen), and Tyler Kruzan. Additionally, he was a very proud great-grandfather to Parker Max Kruzan and loved his nieces and nephews.
Moreover, Max was preceded in death by his sisters Nanette McDonald Morel, Maurine (Renie) Francke, and Naomi Hartnett. He also was preceded in death by his parents Velda McClay Morin, father Thyril McClay, stepfather Alvin Morin.
Max was born to Thyril and Velda McClay in Plainville, Kansas, on July 18, 1934. Max and Farrell went to high school together. Max was very involved in school sports, golf and basketball being his favorites. After graduation, he attended business school at Brown Mackie College in Salina, Kansas.
Max worked a variety of jobs learning great life skills. After leaving his job at Globe Oil he found his passion in insurance sales and management at Federated Insurance. Here he was promoted and moved to multiple locations, from Great Bend, Kansas, to Springfield, Missouri, to West Des Moines, Iowa and back to Springfield, Missouri. Federated became his second family. Max loved working with customers, and he also took great pleasure in working with his coworkers and the teams he managed. He retired at 60 and “wanted to travel while he could still carry his luggage.”
Wherever they moved, Max and Farrell always felt that Springfield was their home. This location was perfect for Max’s many hobbies, including golfing, traveling, hunting, fishing, camping and boating. He also enjoyed woodworking. When he wasn’t crafting a piece of furniture for one of his kids and grandkids, he was probably working on wood working projects for Brentwood Christian Church. Max also served on this organization’s leadership board. He and Farrell loved this religious community and were instrumental in its growth, including serving on the minister selection committee. He was also a member of Lion’s Club.
From Max’s family: Our Dad and Papa had an amazing heart. He cared for our mother for many years until her Alzheimer’s advanced. The day we moved mom to nursing care it broke his heart. Then it broke again the day she passed in 2016. We know he is happy to be reunited with his sweetie. He demonstrated his love for his daughters and grandkids on a regular basis. He would share new pictures and stories daily with anyone who would listen.
We thank the staff at Fremont Assisted Living for their amazing care. He adopted many new grandkids and daughters there among the employees, as they loved him dearly. He knew he had the greatest team of healthcare workers ever!!
In lieu of flowers, donations to Brentwood Christian Church or Habitat for Humanity are appreciated.
Services will be at Brentwood Christian Church on Monday, April 17. 9:00 am visitation and 10:00 am service. Please join us for lunch following. 1900 E Barataria, Springfield, Missouri.