Maurice Vail

Maurice Robert Vail, age 88, of Neodesha, Kansas died Friday, November 30, 2012 at the Wilson Medical Center in Neodesha, Kansas.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at the St. Ignatius Catholic Church with the Father Stephen Mahn Thapwa officiating. Burial will follow in the Neodesha Catholic Cemetery under the direction of the Loran Fawcett Chapel.

Reciting of the Rosary will be held at 6:00 p.m., Monday, December 3, 2012 at the St. Ignatius Catholic Church.

The family has suggested memorials to the St. Ignatius Catholic Church Building Fund or the Wounded Warrior Project and contributions may be left at the Loran Fawcett Chapel.

Maurice Robert Vail was born August 16, 1924 in Emporia, Kansas to William Franklin and Clara Thersia Lux Vail. Maurice attended schools in Neodesha, Kansas. On June 24, 1943 Maurice entered the United States Army and served during World War II until his honorable discharge on September 25, 1945.

On June 14, 1952 Maurice married Frances Josephine Berntsen in Independence, Kansas. The couple made their home in Neodesha, Kansas. Frances preceded him in death on April 21, 2011. Maurice worked at Frisco Railroad for 37 years as a switchman. He was a member of the Railroad Workers Union, Life Member of the VFW Post 3018, Knights of Columbus, Railroaders Union and the St. Ignatius Catholic Church.

Survivors include two sons Larry Connie Vail of Neodesha, Kansas, Anthony and Janice Vail of Sycamore, Kansas one brother William Vail of Neodesha, Kansas Grandchildren Melonie Vest of Chanute, Kansas, Emily Erbe of Altoona, Kansas, Audrey Sinn of Neodesha, Scott Vail of Neodesha, Angeline Reese of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Anthony A.J. Vail of Independence, Kansas 1 step grandchild, 7 great grandchildren and 4 step great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters, 1 brother.