Randy Mai

(From Parker Mortuary)

Randall Ward Mai, age 72, of Baxter Springs, KS, passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at his home surrounded by family.

Randy was born on November 26, 1953 to the union of David Mai Jr. and Emma Jean (Gosser) Mai. He was a proud 1972 graduate of Russell High School in Russell, KS. Randy married his beloved wife, Diane Cochran, on June 24, 1975 in Russell, KS, and together they were blessed with celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary last year. 

While residing in Kansas he part-owned and operated his family business for over 20 years, Mai Excavating. While in Russell, KS, he served as the mayor and later as the County Commissioner for a few years. In 1998, they moved to Webb City, Missouri, where he began working in the trucking industry. He did a variety of jobs from mechanic to sales to shop Forman and management. He retired in 2016. 

Randy and Diane enjoyed traveling for 4 years coast to coast in their RV, site seeing and stopping to relax and enjoy different parts of the country. His beloved black lab, Mister was always by his side while they traveled. He enjoyed working with his hands, whether that be on remodeling projects on cars or in the house. Randy was extremely humble, helping others on different projects and issues that came about in their lives. In his leisure time, he enjoyed playing phone games, golfing, card games, and indulging in spirited rounds of his favorite game, dominos. His ability to fix and build was not just a practical skill but an extension of his desire to make the world a better place, one project at a time.

Randy was preceded in death by his father, David Mai Jr.

Randy is survived by his wife, Diane Mai, of the home; three sons, Shane Mai and partner, Christy Herron, Scott Mai and wife, Julie, and Troy Mai and wife, Sarah; one daughter, Pam Carley and husband, Todd;11 grandchildren, Milo and wife, Ashlei, Maverick, Tierney, Micah, Cameron, Maguire, Andie, Merrick, Meridyth, Malachi and Adalynne; two great-grandchildren, Madelyn and Macie; mother, Emma Jean Mai; and three siblings, Michael Mai and wife, Diana, Mark Mai and partner, Annette, and Robin Leiker.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be sent to the Joplin Humane Society in honor of Randy.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Miami First Assembly, 1815 E. Steve Owens Blvd. Miami, OK 74354.

Cremation arrangements are under the special care and direction of Parker Mortuary.