Max Omer Dametz

Max Omer DaMetz, 96, passed to eternal life on August 16th, 2020.

Max Omer DaMetz was born on his maternal grandmother's farm in Esbon, KS, to Hollis Omer and Emma Agnes Brezina DaMetz on October 11, 1923.

He attended school at Bern, Esbon, and Mankato Elementary Schools, Winfield High School and graduated from Rosalia High School in 1941. He attended Southwestern College in Winfield KS 1960-1963; Bangor, Maine, Theological Seminary 1963-1964; and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Baker University in 1966. He received his Master of Divinity from St Paul Theological Seminary in Kansas City, MO, in May, 1969, after which he was ordained to ministry in June 1969.

Max wed his high school sweetheart, Lillie Jane Bishop, on January 24, 1943, because he'd been drafted for World War II. Max entered the US Navy and served as a Motor Machinist Mate First Class on LSM176 in the Pacific Theater.

Max and his father owned DaMetz and Sons in Eureka, KS, doing heavy earth moving with their Caterpillar tractors.

In 1952, Max began his apprenticeship, rising to the position of electrician at Skelly Oil refinery.

In 1960, Max began his ministerial studies with the goal of overseas missions.

During his 35 years of ministerial service, Max served the following UCC churches:

1) Congregational Christian Church, Udall, KS 10/1960-8/1963

2) Stanley Community Church, Stanley, KS, 10/1964-9/1969

3) Kinsley UCC, Kinsley, KS 10/1969-4/1975

4) Faith UCC, Wichita, KS 5/1975-4/1978

5) Congregational Church, Drummond, OK 5/1978-5/1982

This was a shared ministry with Lillie also serving as KS-OK Associate Conference Ministers.

6) Faith UCC, Wichita, KS 6/1982-5/1988

7) Haven UCC, Haven, KS 6/1988-1992

During the year at Bangor Theological Seminary and after his retirement, Max served as supply pastor at churches in Maine, Kansas, and Oklahoma .

During his active ministry, Max also served as Vice President and President of the Kansas Oklahoma Conference of churches. He represented Kansas small churches at the June 1979 New Church Development Conference held at Dearing, New Hampshire. He also chaired the Church and Ministry Committee for the Western Conference of Kansas.

Max joined Blue Lodge in Eureka, KS in 1950. He held all positions in the lodge and was recognized for 50 years of membership in 2001. He received his 59 year pin from the Eastern Star. In 2010 he received his 60 years honors. Max was a member of the Scottish Rite, York Rite, Midian Shrine and Masonic Consistry Midian Shrine in Wichita, KS.

Max was preceded in death by his parents Hollis and Emma DaMetz; his siblings and their spouses: Doris & Lee Olson; Harvey (Buck) & Gayle DaMetz; and his only son, Max Lyle DaMetz.

Survivors include his wife of 77years, Lillie Bishop DaMetz; his daughters and sons-in-law: Terri DaMetz Boerwinkle & Robert Boerwinkle; Anita DaMetz Magee & Ron O Magee. His grandchildren: Kevin Boerwinkle; Karen Boerwinkle Lesser & Jeff Lesser; Kathy Boerwinkle Michaelson & Mikey Michaelson; Monica Gorman Butler & Darren Butler; Gregory & Thi Nguyen Gorman; Troy & Jennifer Magee; Keith & Erica Magee; Erin DaMetz Deneke & Tim Deneke; Ryan & Kristen DaMetz.

Also surviving are great grandchildren: Amelia Lesser; William Lesser; Marley Butler; Peyton Butler Marple & Austin Marple; Attlyn Butler; Maxwell Gorman; Zoe Gorman; Sierra Almanza; Riley Wilson; Arwyn Magee; Alivea Magee; Grace Deneke; Samuel Deneke; Emily Deneke; Bennett DaMetz; Joseph DaMetz; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or to the Alzheimer's Association.

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Click the image below to watch Max's service.