Maurice Lee Walbridge, 89, of McLouth, KS, died Tuesday, March 10,2026 at Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka, KS. Maurice was born July 10,1936 on the family dairy farm in rural McLouth, the son of Marvin Kenneth and Irene Martin Walbridge. He was a 1954 graduate of McLouth High School. He was very proud of being a member of the McLouth football team of 1953 having a winning season and outscoring their opponents by more than 250 points and winning over Tonganoxie with a score of 108-0. The 1953 football team was honored in 2012 for their donations for new score boards, tables and facilities for McLouth Schools.
He was drafted and served two years in the U.S. Army being stationed in Germany following the Korean war. Maurice was a farmer and stockman as well as working as a carpenter and welder for many years. He worked for Southwest Steele Fabrication and Leslie Steele in Bonner Springs and Kansas City. He was proud to acknowledge he helped build the frame for the St. Louis Arch. He started his carpenter career for the Hagen/Groshon Company in fire insurance reconstruction 26 years before retiring. He worked with Harris Construction in building houses, and Dillon’s and Aldi’s in Lawrence. Maurice was a master carpenter, known for his ability to solve problems and his attention to details.
He was a member and Trustee of the McLouth United Methodist Church, McLouth Kiwanis Club and a community volunteer for many organizations. He served 26 years as Union Township Treasurer and the Union Township Fire Department as a Truck Captain. He was a former Jefferson County Republican Precinct Committeeman and a project leader for McLouth Cracker Jacks 4-H club. He also served on the design group for McLouth Schools in 1963.
Maurice met Shirley Mae Freeman on a blind date, they were married on September 2,1962 at Tonganoxie, KS, she preceded him in death on September 27, 2020. Survivors include one daughter, Vicki Starcher, Tonganoxie, KS, three sons, Gary (Ellen) Walbridge, Overland Park, KS, Kenny (Vicki) Walbridge, Perry, KS, Doug (Sandy) Walbridge, McLouth, KS, one brother, Richard (Marsha) Walbridge, McLouth, KS, nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Shirley and a sister, Alene (Gene)Tatum.
Maurice will always be remembered for his witty personality, quick come-backs and stories and his strong work ethic as a hardworking man. Saturday morning breakfast with McLouth guys was a favorite activity.
A Memorial Service will be at 3:00 PM, Sunday, March 15,2026 at Barnett Family Funeral home, Oskaloosa. Visitation will be 1:00 to 3:00 PM, Sunday prior to service at the Funeral Home. Cremation Care is planned. Inurnment will be at McLouth Cemetery. Memorials suggested to F.W. Huston Foundation Trust or to Union Township Fire Department. barnettfamilyfh.com
