Johnnie William Russell died Friday evening, February 16, 2018 at Trego Lemke Memorial Hospital, WaKeeney, Kansas. Johnnie was born on April 29, 1925, southwest of Idana, Kansas to John William Russell, and Nellie Pearl (Johnson) Russell. In 1929 Johnnie was joined on the family farm by twin brothers, Clayton and Clinton. They passed in 1958 and 2006. Johnnie attended grade school and high school in Longford, Kansas. After graduating from high school Johnnie joined the United States Army and served in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, the Philippines and Japan. After his honorable discharge Johnnie returned to the Longford area.

Johnnie married Esther Lillian Graf at the Parson's home in Longford, Kansas on February 24,1948. They farmed in the area of Talmage, Kansas and Johnnie worked at the Talmage Co-op. They moved to Colby, then to Collyer, and then to WaKeeney in 1967.  Johnnie worked more than 35 years for Co-op and retired at year end of 1989. In his 1 ^st year of retirement Johnnie built a stagecoach from scratch, other than some old wheels being refitted by a wheelright. As the years passed, Johnnie rebuilt many old motors and was very proud of his collection of motors and other antiques. Following is a poem Johnnie wrote after a motor restoration:

Hi, my name is FAIRBANKS MORSE. I was born in 1916 and I weighed 830 pounds at birth. In a few years, I will be 100 years old. That is a long time. I feel like I am one of the grandfathers to several generations that have followed in my footsteps. I spent my entire life in Trego County, Kansas. When I was young and had lots of energy I worked hard and long days pumping water from the creek to irrigate fields. After 12 to 15 years I was replaced by a larger motor and I was put into semiretirement.  I had good living conditions. I was put in a nice building; however it was cold in the winter and hot in the summer. During the years of the Depression I helped saw lots of wood, boards, trees and railroad ties to help people stay warm in the winter. I also helped pump water at the windmill (when the wind didn't blow) to furnish water for the house and for the cattle, hogs and chickens. That was fun for me. I liked being around livestock. They were my friends and I liked their company. After a few years I was moved out into the pasture with other old farm machinery that was about my age. I stayed there for 30 to 35 years. Then I got a new owner and went to town to live with new people. In a short while I got a good bath, I was all cleaned up, got rebuilt with new parts, got some of my energy back, and got the first coat of paint since I was new. I even got a new fuel tank. I felt real good. I live in a good building now with lots of other motors and lots of antiques. We have lots of company from time to time. I don't work anymore. I do go to some antique shows now and then and get to meet new people. Good to see you and do stop by and see me again. I have lots of friends where I live and they would like to visit with you too.

FAIRBANKS MORSE

Besides working on his collection of motors and antiques, Johnnie enjoyed attending auctions, antique shows and drinking coffee with friends at the local coffee shops.

Johnnie is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Esther Russell, and 2 children, Sharon Russell LeCount and Warren Russell. Also surviving are 1 grandchild, 2 greatgrandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The funeral service is planned at Schmitt Funeral Home on Friday, February 23, 2018  at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in the Veteran's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a gift to the Trego County Historical Society or the Trego Community High School, or to do a small favor for a friend or a complete stranger.  Donations may be left at the service or sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12 ^th , WaKeeney, KS  67672.