On January 4, 2020 at 12:43 am our mother, Clara Russ, lost her husband and best friend of 64 years. Charles Richard Russ was born August 3, 1930 in Lenora, KS and went to his permanent heavenly home surrounded by his wife and children.
Richard grew up in Oberlin and graduated from Decatur Community High School in 1949. He then went on to receive an associate degree in psychology from Colby Community College. Richard married Clara Belle Vernon on August 3, 1955 at the United Church in Oberlin. He worked in construction doing roofing and plumbing work. Richard was an active member of the United Church of Oberlin, Gideons, American Legion and the National Rifle Association. He also at one time served as a City Councilman. His favorite hobbies were gardening, farming, hunting, fishing and watching the Kansas City Chiefs.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Bruce James and Dorothy Mae (Eggers) Russ; sisters: Betty Carlson and Carolyn Norman and brothers: Donald LeRoy (infant) and James Bruce Russ.
He leaves behind his wife, Clara of the home and children: Della (Jack) Province, Edward (Vivian) Russ, Julie Russ, Starla (Ralf) Meister, Cherie (Darin) Dingus, Charles (Linda) Russ, and Ruth (Jeffrey II) Longhenry; sisters: Helen Kisinger, Kathleen Wright, Christine Gosha, and brother, Leo Russ; 21 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held June 4, 2020 at 11:00 am the United Church of Oberlin. Inurnment with military honors will follow at Oberlin Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Services, Inc. Condolences may be left at www.paulsfh.com