Aug 28, 1934---Feb 11, 2022

Max Thomas Goss, 87, passed away peacefully in Kansas City, Missouri on February 11, 2022, less than nine months following the death of his beloved wife of 65 years, Sharon. Max was born in McPherson, Kansas on August 28, 1934, the son of Ruth and Frank Goss, and the younger brother of sister, Marilyn. While growing up in McPherson, Max was an avid athlete, ultimately lettering in four sports at McPherson High School, from which he graduated in 1952. He then attended Kansas State University, graduating with a degree in Industrial Psychology in 1956. While at Kansas State, Max was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and an active participant in intramural sports. Most importantly, Max married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Talbott, in September 1955 before graduating in May 1956. Not long following graduation, Max was deployed to Okinawa, Japan with the U.S. Army. Sharon remained in McPherson during this time, spending only two weeks with Max during a well-deserved rendezvous in Hawaii. Upon Max’s return from Japan in 1959, the couple moved to Great Bend, Kansas where Max entered the insurance business, ultimately forming his own independent agency. During Max’s years in Great Bend, he was actively involved in community volunteer work, most notably with the Barton County Young Men’s Association, Barton County Community College, and the Great Bend Kiwanis Club. Max was very involved with the First Congregational United Church of Christ, singing in the choir and serving as Deacon. He continued his lifelong love for sports, coaching his sons’ baseball teams and participating in a wide range of outdoor sporting activities such as hunting, fishing, and camping. In 2005, Max and Sharon retired to the Kansas City area in order to be closer to two of his beloved grandchildren. Max will be remembered by his many friends for his kindness, generosity, and dry wit. He spent a lifetime unselfishly serving his family, all of whom will miss him dearly. Max is survived by his sister, Marilyn Wallace, and his three children: Mike Goss (and wife, Becky) of Westport, Connecticut; Jeff Goss (and wife, Julie) of St. Louis, Missouri; and Susan Goss VanElders (and husband, Kelly) of Overland Park, Kansas. He was extremely proud of his seven grandchildren and two great granddaughters. The life of Max Goss will be celebrated privately by his immediate family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made to the organization where Max spent many years on the Board of Directors: The Barton County Young Men’s Organization, in care of Theresa Browne, 2212 Forest, Great Bend, Kansas, 67530



Condolences

Shawna Pocock Feb 17, 2022

Friend ,Minnetonka ,Minnesota

Dear Susie, Jeff, Mike, I’m so sorry that you’ve lost your wonderful, kind, father. I have so many heart felt memories of him, and your mom. I cannot think of two better people I had in my life growing up in Great Bend. Every moment in your home on 17th street was filled with welcome, light hearted-ness and love. Your parents made me feel like one of their kids in how they cared for me. A few memories of your dad: He remembered my birthday. He helped me get a scholarship. Riding in the LeCar. Always greeting me with a big smile. He was so thoughtful in the gifts I received from him/your mom. (A coin set from my birth year; K-State brick bookends; clippings from the newspaper from when Susie and I dominated in tennis. 😂). I remember his laugh. I could feel his approval- which still means so much to me. I have often wondered what I may have achieved or become in this world, if I would have had “Susie’s” dad. He was the wind under your sails - the gold standard of what a father and husband should be. I saw how much he loved each of you (and your mom), and how he treated others. He instilled confidence, honor and goodness in each of you. His example was a gift to all who knew him. You are the most fortunate of all children, to have had him as your father. And he would say, that he was the most fortunate of all fathers to have been given you. May God bless your family during this time and always. And take great comfort knowing your parents are together again in His amazing presence. With Love, Shawna

Sharlene Ramsey Feb 21, 2022

Friend of Susan’s ,Lindsborg ,Kansas

So sorry Susan to hear the news. Thoughts and prayers with your family.