Max LaVerne Empson, age 83, of Minneapolis, passed away on Friday, February, 25, 2022 at the Minneapolis Health and Rehabilitation Center.  He was born on June 16, 1938, to Grover and Irene Empson.

Max attended a small country grade school and graduated M.R.H.S. in 1956.  He excelled in football and track.  Max tied for first place in the high jump at the state finals.  After graduation, he attended Garden City College on a football scholarship.  Max was enlisted in the National Guard for 6 years after college.  He raised cattle on the family farmstead, had custom grain harvesting and hay baling businesses.  He also managed the Javco station.  Later years, he received a Certificate in Hazmat Safety from Western Nebraska Community College and was certified in CPR.  He enjoyed going to the Concordia sale barn, machinery auctions and meals at the Trail rider's Cafe that was owned and operated by the Empson family.

He is survived by daughter Lisa Nixon ( Jim) of Leawood, son Brian Empson of Olathe, daughter Darcy Ruhl ( Brian) of Manhattan, Darlene Empson of Manhattan, mother of his three children and Beverly Martin of Green, longtime companion, caregiver and friend, sister Kathleen Wolfe of Salina and brother Randy Empson ( Cheryl) of Payette, Idaho, grandchildren Heather Empson of Topeka, Shannon Nixon of Shawnee, Madilyn and Olivia Ruhl of Manhattan, and great grandchildren Brody and Chloie of Topeka.

He was preceded in death by his brother Bilby Empson and parents Grover and Irene Empson.

A graveside service and luncheon will be in the spring.