John “J.R.” Henry Russ Jr. passed away on June 18, 2021, at Wesley
Medical Center in Wichita, KS at the age of 80. He was born on April 4,
1941 in Leavenworth, Kansas and was adopted by John Henry, Sr. and
Florence (Steerman) Russ. J.R. married Judith K. Olson on May 28, 1961.
They were blessed with three children: Jacqueline, Justin, and Jennifer.
They later divorced.
J.R. grew up on the family farm south of Stockton, KS. He graduated
from Stockton High School with the Class of 1959. He returned to the
family farm where he farmed and ranched during his early years.
J.R. was a past Rotary member, member of Main Street Christian
Church in Stockton for many years, and later First Christian Church in
Plainville. He played the piano and organ for the churches and many
other special events and funerals in many communities most all his life.
His main love was music. For J.R., life was one grand, sweet song that
has never ended. He will be remembered for the music he so gladly
provided for anyone that asked, and we take comfort in knowing that
although his life on earth is finished, he now embraces the fullness of
life only his Lord can provide, that of eternal glory with Him, forever.
Surviving J.R. are his children, Jacqueline (Ronnie) Gibson of
Copeland, KS, Jennifer (Steve) Griebel of WaKeeney, KS, and Justin Russ
(fiancé Lori Jackson) of Stockton; sister Joan Hull of Oro Valley, AZ;
five grandchildren, Megan (Levi) Hedlund, Heather (Daniel) Hill, Ann
Griebel, Taylor (David) Ghumm, and Cody (Madi) Russ; 4
great-grandchildren, Waylon, Wyatt, Luke, Leah, and two on the way, Baby
Hill and Baby Russ; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
J.R. is preceded in death by his parents, John Henry, Sr and Florence Russ; and brother-in-law, Darrell Hull.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 25, 2021 at 10:30 AM
at the First Christian Church in Plainville. Book signing will be on
Thursday at the funeral home in Stockton from 1:00 PM through 5:00 PM. A
private inurnment will follow in the Stockton Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to Rooks County Health Center or First
Christian Church and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral
Home, 723 N. 1st, Stockton, KS 67669.