HARNEY, Russell Wayne "Russ"

HARNEY, LARCHE, SAVAGE

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 1/30/2016 at 19:37:40

Russell Wayne "Russ" Harney, 2012
Graceland University, Lamoni, Iowa

A 1967 graduate of Central Decatur High School in Leon, Iowa, Russell Wayne Harney migrated a few miles south to continue his athletic career in college at Graceland.

"Russ" was a standout football player for the Central Decatur Cardinals, and joined Coach Harry Larche's squad as an inside linebacker, spending four years as a defensive stalwart for the Yellowjackets while also contributing on offense at offensive end. Harney would be a mainstay for a Graceland team that, during his career, would feature fellow GU Hall-of-Famers Dr. Robert Hutchins and Tom Powell, earning Coach Larche's admiration for his toughness and leadership.

The Van Wert, Iowa native inked a 2nd Team All-Missouri Collegiate Athletic Union award his junior season, and was honored with a 1st Team nod the next year in 1969. In an outstanding senior campaign Russ recorded 84 tackles and 64 assists in eight games and was named to the 15th District All-NAIA football team for the year.

A two-year captain for the Jackets, Harney also served as president of Aaron House during his time at Graceland. He graduated in 1971 with a degree in mathematics and a minor in physical education. In recognition of his success on the football field, Russ' #41 jersey was retired for a three-year period.

Shortly after graduation, Russ married the former Thresa Machelle Savage (1972), with whom he had a son, Nathan, and a daughter Kris.

After spending time teaching and coaching at East Monona Schools in Moorhead, Iowa, Russ embarked on a career with Hy-Vee Food Stores that took him across the Midwest managing stores. Following his time at Hy-Vee, Harney settled in Kansas. There, he managed Friendly's Food & Fuel in Parsons. Always active in the community, Russ served as an elder in the Community of Christ Church, and as financial officer for the Scammon, Kansas congregation.

Russ Harney was born on June 28, 1949, and passed away July 27, 2005 in Park City, Kansas at the age of 56. He was interred at Van Wert Cemetery, Van Wert Iowa.

Russ was inducted into Graceland's Yellowjacket Athletic Hall of Fame in 2012.

SOURCES: gujackets.com/f/Hall_of_Fame.php; gujackets.com/roster.php

Submission by Sharon R Becker, January of 2016