RUSSELL, John Walter - b. August 20, 1930 - d. June19. 2014

[patyrn]

John Walter Russell of Eureka, Kansas died on Thursday, June 19, 2014 at the Eureka Nursing Center at the age of 83.  He was born on August 20, 1930 in Fall River Township, Greenwood County, Kansas, the son of John William and Velma "Bernadine" (Wright) Russell.

John was raised in Climax, Kansas and graduated from Climax High School.  He then attended Kansas State University.  On April 20, 1952, John was united in marriage to Maxine Lena Hamm in Yates Center, Kansas.  They made their home seven miles east of Eureka, Kansas on the farm they have lived on ever since.  Maxine preceded him in death on April 22, 2012.

John was a farmer, rancher, dairyman, and raised and trained horses all of his life.  He was an active member of Greenwood Chapter, Order of DeMolay, Fidelity Masonic Lodge #106, Greenwood County Farm Bureau Board, Extension Office/4-H volunteer and board member, and refereed football, basketball, and volleyball earning a 50-year pin.  As a youth, he was active in the Climax Wonder Workers 4-H group.

John is survived by five children, Kathy Barr of Lebo, Kansas, Leroy Russell of Auburn, Kansas, Larry Russell of Emporia, Kansas, Cindy Russell of Parsons, Kansas, and Nancy Clites of El Dorado, Kansas; 7 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Roy C. Russell of Hutchinson, Kansas.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and a brother, William "Bill".

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at the First United Methodist Church in Eureka, Kansas with Rev. Kenneth Baker officiating.  Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.  Visitation hours are set from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 23, 2014 at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested that memorials be made to Greenwood Chapter, Order of DeMolay or to the Eureka Nursing Center.  Contributions may be sent in care of Koup Family Funeral Home, 121 N Oak Street, Eureka, Kansas 67045 which is in charge of arrangements.

(taken from the Koup Family Funeral Home website)

John Russell was a longtime referee of high school sports in southeast Kansas for many years along with his brother, Bill.  They will be remembered as the "Russell Brothers".