Earl “Dale” Russell, 95, of Neodesha, Kansas, died Thursday, November 16, 2023 at Wilson County Medical Center in Neodesha, Kansas. He was born April 18, 1928 in Altoona, Kansas, the son of Charley E. and Sadie (Carver) Russell. Dale attended school in Altoona, where he graduated in 1946. On May 28, 1950 at the Altoona Presbyterian Church, Dale married Anna L. Woodruff. She preceded him in death. Dale was drafted into the US Army January of 1952 and served in Japan (Korean War) returning home to Neodesha November of 1953. Dale and Ann adopted 2 little girls that were the joy of their lives (Dala Ann and Tammy Jo) in the summer of 1958. Jobs throughout his career were Car Service Tech, Snap-on Tools Salesman, Power Plant Supervisor and Chief for the City of Neodesha until he moved his family to Wichita, Kansas in 1966. In Wichita, he worked for his brother Harold as a machinist until he was employed in 1971 with Phillips 66 Pipeline as a Mechanic and retired June of 1993. Dale and Ann moved back to Southeast Kansas (Independence) after retirement. In 2008, they sold their rural property and moved to Neodesha, Kansas. Dale’s interests were taking care of his wife Ann after her stroke for 14 years until her death in 2019, restoring Antique Gas Engines (with Randy, Chris and Nick), Beekeeping, fixing and repairing things for others (cars, air conditioners, amateur radios and etc), computer and internet so he could work with the Geology on Find a Grave and helping others in his later years after family. He was a member of the Harmony Lodge #94 in Neodesha since 1957 and a 32nd Degree Mason in Valley of Wichita Scottish Rites and since 1995 he was  licensed Amateur Radio. Survivors include: One daughter, Tammy Russell of Neodesha, KS and six grandsons; Lance (Jen) Gibson, Jeramey (Yana) Gibson, Bruce (Syd) Dutton, Randy (Tiffany) Jamis, Chris (Cintia) Jamis and Nick (Christy) Jamis along with twenty-five great grandchildren and five great- great grandchildren. Dale’s parents; wife, Ann Woodruff, daughter, Dala Ann, three sisters, Laverna Hyde, Dorothy Deshasier, and Edith Russell; and two brothers, Floyd Russell and Harold Russell, preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at the Altoona United Methodist Church with Pastor Bob Banks and Michael Russell officiating. Burial will be in the Altoona Cemetery.

Memorials have been established in Dales name with the Old Iron Days of Fredonia Kansas. Contributions may be sent to the funeral home. Words of condolence may be left at www.loranfawcettfuneralhome.com. Loran Fawcett Chapel, 704 Indiana St. Neodesha, KS 66757, is in charge of the arrangements.