Obituary of William H. Russell

Coffeyville - William H. "Bill" Russell, age 89, of Neodesha, Kansas, passed away Friday, December 28, 2007 at the Wilson County Hospital in Neodesha. Bill was born on January 17, 1918 southwest of Independence, Kansas to John William and Sara (Bolwar) Russell. On July 4, 1941, Bill married Violet Robinson in Independence where they made their home. While in Independence, Bill drove the street car, worked at the Hybarger Furniture Store, Davis Furniture Store, Jackson Funeral Home, and Potts Funeral Home. In 1945, Bill and Violet moved to Neodesha where he worked at White and Utt's Hardware and Furniture later known as Glenn Utt Home Furnishings. Bill managed the store until he retired in 1984. He sold furniture to many people in the area. Mr. Russell was a member of Grace Baptist Church and the Masonic Lodge in Neodesha. Bill Russell is survived by his wife, Violet Robinson of the home; his daughter, Ruth Ann (Matt) Davis, of Neodesha, Kansas; his son, Roger (Donna) Russell of San Antonio, Texas; five grandchildren, Kristie Royer, Ashley Ewing, Stacie Pflumm, Derek Davis, and Briton Davis; and five great-grandchildren. Bill has been preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Bernice and Maxine. Graveside Services will be held Wednesday, January 2, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the Neodesha City Cemetery with Briton Davis and Pastor Jim Logan of Grace Baptist Church officiating. Friends may call on Monday, December 31, 2007 from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Tuesday, January 1, 2008 from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville, Kansas. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Grace Baptist Church in Neodesha and the 1st Church of the Nazarene in Coffeyville. Contributions may be left with the funeral directors or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, Kansas 67337.