Russell Max Kingsbury, (Son, Husband, Dad, Pop, Grandpa, Gramps, Papa Russie, Ohms, Deacon) age 82, received his angel wings Tuesday, April 28, 2015. Russ was in the comfort of his home when God called upon him to begin his new journey.
He was born July 20, 1932 in Smith Center, KS, the son of Marley and Irene (Hill) Kingsbury. On November 30, 1952 he married the love of his life, Sharon Lea Rust. To this union of 47 years, they were blessed with five children, Nancy, Susan, David, Merry and Manda.
Russ had numerous jobs throughout his life. He worked hard and took great pride in each one. He never started something he could not finish. In his early years, he worked at the Blair Theater in Smith Center. On February 8th, 1957, he, his wife and two children moved to Evergreen, Colorado. Russ took a job at the Standard Service Station and worked side by side with his brother Paul. After a short period of time, he was hired on at the ESCO Propane Company, dedicating 12 years of his life to delivering propane. Russ had become an important pillar in the Evergreen community. He was a vital, dedicated member and Captain for the Evergreen Volunteer Fire Department. One of the jobs he enjoyed most was being the driving instructor for all the new volunteer firemen. In the fall of 1969, Russ and Sharon, now with five children, moved home to Smith Center, Kansas. He had many short term jobs such as driving for the Rainbow Bread Company and stock boy/cashier at Mark's Market. In late 1969, Russ once again joined into a partnership with one of his brothers. He and Joe bought the local trash removal service. For 38 years, K&K Trash Removal Service greatly enjoyed serving this community. In his spare time, 1976 to 1997, Russ, along with Sharon, managed Center Lanes Bowling Ally. Through this establishment and with their love for all children, they became Grandpa and Grandma to numerous youths.
Russ always said he was a jack of all trades and a master of none, but those who had the privilege of knowing this compassionate, hardworking, loving, giving man, would say he was a "MASTER OF ALL"!
Russell was preceded in death by his wife Sharon on December 27, 1999, a son David, parents and three brothers, Arden, Merlin and Paul Kingsbury.
Survivors include four daughters, Nancy (Dave) DeWester of Smith Center, Susan (Doug) Rippe of Lebanon, Merry (Glen) VanderGiesen of Gaylord, Manda (Myron) Wanner of Smith Center; a daughter-in-law, Terri Kingsbury of Smith Center; two brothers, Joe (Glenna) Kingsbury of Smith Center, Gary (Sally) Kingsbury of Winter, SD; a sister, Connie (Jack) Nichols of Russell; four sister-in-laws, Wilma Kingsbury of Junction City, Louise Kingsbury, Lois Kingsbury and Carol Eller all of Smith Center; nineteen grandchildren, forty-four great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
A celebration of Russell's life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at All Faiths Funeral Chapel, Smith Center, with Pastor Lance McDowell officiating. Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 5, 2015 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday, May 6, 2015 from 8:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral chapel. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery, Smith Center. Memorials may be given to the Russell Max Kingsbury Memorial Fund in care of the funeral chapel.