Karl Mairs

Services for Karl Kenneth Mairs, 84, formerly of Shawnee, will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, at Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee. Burial will be at Johnson County Memorial Gardens.
Mr. Mairs died Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010, at the Blackhawk Assisted Living, Spring Hill.
He was born in April 15, 1925, Kansas City, Kan., the son of William A. and Orpha F. Mairs. He grew up in the Argentine area and graduated from Argentine High School in 1943. Because he had joined the U.S. Marine Corps to serve in WWII before his graduation ceremony, Mr. Mairs’ mother picked up his high school diploma. Karl served in the Marines from 1943-1946 in the Pacific Theatre. After his return, he joined the Marine Reserves and was called to serve again, from 1950-51 in the Korean War.
Mr. Mairs retired from the Santa Fe Railway in 1971 after 15 years. He retired from the Boilermakers Local #83 after more than 40 years.
His wife of 50 years, Shirley Jean (Neely) Mairs, died in 1996.
Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth R and Patricia Mairs, Overland Park; a sister, Alice Zimmerman, Bonner Springs; a brother and his wife, Lloyd and Marge Mairs, Leavenworth; three grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.
The family suggests memorials to either the American Heart Association or Disabled American Veterans, sent in care of the funeral chapel, 10901 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS 66203.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, at the funeral chapel.