A Service of Remembrance was held Thursday, Dec. 28, at Central Christian Church in Jefferson for Kenneth Roy Russell, 72, of Jefferson.
The Rev Sheldon Henderson, pastor of the church, and Pastor Bruce Webster of Church of Christ offered words of comfort. Soloist was Larry Dowd, accompanied by Rita Rasmussen.
Casket bearers were Rob Russell, Gary Russell, John Russell, Dale Finch, Jane Finch and Andrew Wiskus. Interment was at the Jefferson Municipal Cemetery.
The family was assisted by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home of Jefferson.
Kenneth Roy Russell, son of Farel Evelyn Lakey Russell and Roy Raymond Russell, was born in Jefferson, IA, on Sept. 10, 1945. Kenny died at the Greene County Medical Center long term care in Jefferson on Dec. 23, 2017, at the age of 72 years.
Kenny grew up near Jefferson and attended school in Scranton. After Kenny got out of school he began to do concrete work with his dad. Over the years he had other jobs working in construction. For a while he worked for Jack Ure and Fullerton Lumber.
On July 31, 1982, Kenny was united in marriage to Loy Helen Davis at the Church of Christ. They made their home in Jefferson.
Kenny was a member of the Central Christian Church in Jefferson.
He had numerous interests. Kenny was a citizen band radio operator for many years. He went by the name of “Kenworth” when he was on the radio. He also enjoyed going to all the stock car races on Friday and Saturday nights, and watching NASCAR on television. He was a long-time member of the Lincoln Highway Association, and helped at the Lincoln Highway Museum in Jefferson for several years. He always enjoyed meeting all the people who stopped by. He loved going to garage sales and flea markets. Through the years, Kenny and Loy traveled to Branson, MO, many times to enjoy the shows.
Kenny also had many collections. His biggest collection was his caps, numbering over 1,000. Known in Jefferson as the hat guy, he spent many years as a Lincoln Highway advocate and a client of Genesis Development for over 15 years. He was a great example that one’s ability is determined by the size of his heart, and Kenny’s heart was pretty big!
Kenny was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Bob and Jerry; his niece Marjorie Peckumn; and his father and mother-in-law, Ellsworth and Norma Davis. He is survived by his wife Loy Russell of Jefferson; his sister Barb (Bill) Kendall of Jefferson; nieces; nephews; other relatives and many friends.
Kenworth, KNH-7106, has gone 10-7 for the final time.
