Max W. Foust, age 90, passed away in Leawood, Kansas, on the 7th day of March, 2018. He was born on October 25, 1927 in rural Cedar County, Missouri to his parents, Lloyd and Violet Foust. He attended and graduated from a rural one-room grade school; El Dorado Springs High School (Valedictorian) in 1945; Southwestern Missouri State University (Cum Laude) in 1949. While a student, he wired as a news reporter for the radio station KTTS in Springfield and delivered the 5 PM and 10 PM news casts. He moved to Kansas City, Missouri in 1950 where he worked full time and attended night school at The University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, and graduated with a JD in 1954. Upon being admitted to the Missouri Bar in 1955, he formed his own law firm where he practiced as an active litigator and trial lawyer for over 50 years.
He served as president of the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, president of The University of Missouri-Kansas City Law Foundation. By appointment of the Governor, he served as a member of the Board and Commissioner of the Kansas City Missouri Election Board for 8 years. He was elected and was a member of the 16th Circuit Judicial Commission for 6 years, following which he was elected and served as a member of the Appellate Judicial Commission of Missouri for 6 years. The Supreme Court appointed him to serve on The Missouri MAI Committee, where he served several years. He was named and listed in the national publication, “Best Lawyers in America,” Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, and member of the American and Missouri Bar Associations.
He co-founded and was a longtime member of the Board of Directors of the Red Bridge Mercantile Bank, member of the Blue Hills Country Club, La Quinta Country Club, Garden of the Gods Club, and the Kansas City Club.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Betty Foust. He is survived by his wife, Patricia K. Foust, who filled many successive roles: legal secretary, office manager, managing partner and, in retirement, competitive golf partner and finally, full time caregiver during a lengthy illness preceding death.
Surviving children are Monica Lea Carson, John C. Foust and Ann Elizabeth Canon. Grandchildren are Lauren Houts, Robert Otis Canon, III, Max Foust Canon, Matthew Asa Foust and Abby Hamm. Great grandchildren are John Hamm and Asa Hamm. He is also survived by Pat’s family; her sisters, brother-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews.
At his request, there will be a private family memorial and cremation. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Max W. Foust Scholarship at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, 500 E. 52nd Street, Kansas City, Missouri, 64110.
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