Richard K. Russell

Richard K. Russell the first child of Elmer and Zelma Russell, was born January 10, 1933, in Stafford, Kansas, and died at his home in Mankato, Kansas, on May 22, 2009, at the age of 76 years, 4 months, and 12 days.

As a child, Richard attended Center View School and Antrim School in Rural Stafford County. In 1951, he graduated from St. John High School in St. John, Kansas. He farmed for a year and then attended Kansas State University. He entered the army, for about two years, stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, and El Paso, Texas. At Fort Bliss, he was involved in guided missile training and was the first group sent overseas to Germany.

After leaving the army, he returned to K-State and then transferred to Fort Hays State University. There, he met and married Connie Dempsey on June 6, 1959. To this union, twin daughters were born. Connie preceded Richard in death in 1998. Richard married Yvonne Schulze on June 3, 2000. They later divorced and remained friends. She survives.

Activities that Richard enjoyed doing during his lifetime were: tennis, table tennis, water-skiing, horseshoes, hunting, predator calling, trap shooting, fishing, and playing golf. Some of these activities he excelled in and received recognition or awards. He was the first registered crow hunting guide in the nation and he hunted other wildlife such as, coyotes, turkeys, pheasants, and deer. He was the Animal Control Officer in Mankato before becoming ill.

Richard was talented as a handyman as he could repair almost anything, He had an inventive mind and he created items such as, a solar-heated ice-fishing hut, and an air-conditioned hat before the manufacturing of air-conditioned tractor cabs.

“The Greatest Thing That Ever Happened” to him was when he committed his life to Jesus Christ on August 22, 1970. He frequently told people about the blessings that God had given him.

Survivors include two daughters – Richelle Russell and Danielle Russell of McPherson, Kansas; and a brother, Roger and wife Virginia Russell of St. John, Kansas, and a host of other relatives and friends.

A celebration of Richard K. Russell’s life will be Friday, May 29, 2009,. at 1:30 p.m., at the Harmony United Methodist Church, Mankato, Kansas, with Pastors Tessa Zerling, and Dan Dempsey officiating. Music was performed by Carl Philo. Casket bearers were: Wayne Dempsey, Richard Denson, Rick Russell, Rod Russell, Rusty Russell, and Ryan Russell. Honorary casket bearers were: Howard Coen, Jack Painter, Evan Vernon, Charles Fritzemeier, Don Fritzemeier, and Ron Weber. The family will have a private interment service at the Pleasant View Cemetery at 2452 N Road, Mankato, Kansas.. The family suggests memorials to Solomon Valley Hospice and Jewell County Hospital, in care of the Mortuary. Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas, was in charge of arrangements.