Wilbur Gene Russell (2015)

RUSSELL, BENSON, STANDING, HAWBAKER, KELLER

Posted By: Shirley Keating (email)
Date: 4/16/2015 at 22:16:22

Johnson Family Funeral Home
Earlham, Iowa

Wilbur Gene Russell

Wilbur Gene Russell, 83, of Earlham passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at the Stuart Community Care Center. Visitation will be held from 4-6 P.M. on Sunday, April 19th at the Johnson Family Funeral Home in Earlham. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Monday, April 20th at the Earlham Church of Christ. Burial will be at the Earlham City Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Earlham American Legion Post #158. Online condolences may be left at www.johnsonfamilyfuneralhome.com .

Wilbur was born on October 21, 1931 to Ivan and Inez (Benson) Russell in Earlham. He was raised on the family farm north of Earlham, which was homesteaded by his great-great-grandfather. He attended school in Earlham and graduated with the class of 1951. After graduation he enlisted in the US Navy where he was stationed in Panama and the Mediterranean onboard the USS Des Moines. On June 21, 1953 he was united in marriage to Sally Standing in the C.Z. Panama. To this union two children were born, Michael and Cheryl. The family made their home in Earlham were Wilbur farmed and served as a Mail Carrier. In 1999, the couple moved to Ankeny and spent their winters in Mesa, Arizona.

He was a member of the Earlham American Legion and Earlham Coffee Boys. He held the office of Commander and Finance Officer in the Legion, served on the Board of Directors for Patrons Mutual Insurance for 20 years, served on the Board of Directors for the Farmers Co-op in Earlham. Wilbur loved to travel, take cruises to the Caribbean and spend time on his computer.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Wilbur leaves behind his loving wife, Sally of Earlham; children, Michael (Lori) Russell of Waukee and Cheryl Hawbaker of Earlham; granddaughter, Rachelle (Dwaine) Keller and their children: Keeley, Konner and Keaten; grandson, Matthew (Kelcee) Hawbaker and their children Owen and Zoey; and a host of other family and friends that will miss him dearly.

Gravestone Photo
 

Madison Obituaries maintained by Linda Griffith Smith.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen