Russell Adair Hearting, WaKeeney
January 29, 1947 - October 1, 2023
Russell Adair Hearting was born in Hays, KS to Kenneth and Carol (Sunley) Hearting on January 29th, 1947.
He graduated Trego Community High School in 1965. Russell attended K-State in Manhattan, KS. Before completing a degree, Russell enlisted in the Marines and was stationed in San Diego, CA. After three years with the Marines, he moved back to Kansas to be closer to family.
On May 5, 1973 he married Jeanice Engel. They had three children, Holly, Amy, and Rusty.
Russell passed away at the age of 76.
Throughout Russell’s professional career, he worked in the oil fields and contributed to the family vending machine business, always happy to belly up to the bar and small-talk with business owners and employees. He was handy and entrepreneurial, especially with electronics and tube televisions.
A familiar face in the community, Russell was a loyal and comfortable native of WaKeeney, KS. He loved meeting friends for breakfast and bottomless coffee.
He served his country with honor in the Marines as a young man where he learned to fly airplanes and was a member of various organizations, including the American Legion, the VFW, and the Eagles.
In his leisure time, Russell found joy in the simple pleasures of life. One of his favorite things to do was to cut wood. He was often to be found on long drives on winding country roads. He was an avid hunter, a self-taught downhill snow skier, and a boater; he loved to fly airplanes and work on hobby aquariums. Road trips to Colorado for skiing and vacationing in the mountains were yearly highlights for the entire family.
Russell will be remembered as easygoing, generous, and laid-back, a man content with his life. He was a respected husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. During this time of loss, we take solace in knowing that Russell is at peace.
Russell is survived by his wife Jeanice and three children Holly, Amy, and Rusty. Survivors also include Bevin Owens and grandson Conner Hearting. Siblings and in-laws include sister Barb Richter and husband Steve of Lynch Station, VA, brother Richard and wife Judy Hearting of WaKeeney, KS, and sister Margaret Wahlborg of Arkansas City, KS.
Russell was predeceased by his parents, brother Duane Hearting, sister-in-law Susan Hearting and brother-in-law Elgin Wahlborg.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Good Samaritan Society of Hays, Prairie Home Church in WaKeeney, or the Methodist Church in WaKeeney and sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N 12th St., WaKeeney, KS 67672.
Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.schmittfuneral.com.
A memorial service will be scheduled, with a date and time to be posted at a later time.
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