Kenneth Hanson Russell

December 3, 1931 - January 25, 2019
Kenneth Hanson Russell

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Kenneth “Ken” Russell, 87 years old, passed away peacefully at home in Leland, North Carolina in the company of his family on Friday, January 25, 2019 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on December 3, 1931, in Massachusetts, Ken was the youngest son of the late James Frances and Margaretta Katerina Russell. He served in the United States Air Force, and took advantage of the G.I. Bill to obtain both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering. While stationed in Spokane, Washington, Ken met and married his wife of 64 years, Janiel Wallace. He worked as an engineer with a number of companies, including working in the NASA Space Program in Florida. He retired from General Electric Company in 1993. Together with their three children, Ken and Janiel lived in a number of states, finally settling in Burlington, Vermont for over 20 years, then retiring in North Carolina in 1998.

Ken was a dearly beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and mentor to many young people. He had a quietly strong yet gentle character and a keen, quick sense of humor. He enjoyed boating, do-it-yourself projects, photography, and golf. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Janiel Russell; their children, Roxann Broughton, Dean Russell, and Connie Crawford, and their children’s families, including nine grandchildren; as well as his brothers James Russell and Robert Russell. He will be forever in our hearts.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Sonya, Tammi and the staff of Amedysis Hospice Care for their kind and loving care.
A Memorial Service for Ken will take place on Monday, February 18, 2019 at 11:00 am with a short reception to follow at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st St. Wilmington, NC 28403.

Share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Condolence” tab below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099.

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Service

Monday, February 18, 2019
11:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Wilmington Funeral Chapel - Directions
1535 South 41st Street
Wilmington, NC 28403
910-791-9099

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  • January 26, 2019
    Rich Neilsen says:
    We are so sorry for the passing of Ken. He is at peace in heaven now.

  • January 26, 2019
    Fld says:
    My heartfelt sympathy to the Russell family. Hold dear the many fond memories of your time together and have faith in God's promise for the future. His word assures us that all those who are sleeping in death who He remembers will be restored to life in the resurrection, John 5:28, 29, Isaiah 26:19. The Bible says, "The eyes of Jehovah are on the righteous, and his ears listen to their cry for help, Psalm 34:15. May you find comfort by drawing closer to God in prayer and the fulfillment of his promise to end sickness and death forever, Isaiah 33:24 and Revelation 21:3, 4. See www.jw.org for encouraging scriptural information on God's promise for the future. Now may faith in God's promise comfort you in the days ahead.

  • February 03, 2019
    Bill Bixler says:
    My condolences to Janiel and the family. I am really sorry to hear of the passing of Ken. I remember playing golf with Ken probably 15 years ago. He was the only person I knew who carried 5 wedges in his bag. And he knew the distances for 1/4 swing, 1/2 swing, 3/4 swing, etc. for each one of the wedges. I was impressed.

  • February 03, 2019
    Marty and Ginny Alger says:
    It was with great sadness to hear of Ken's passing. He was the ultimate gentleman with a warm smile for everyone. He will be remembered fondly. Sending heartfelt condolences to the Russell family.

  • February 11, 2019
    Beverly Aponte says:
    You have my heart felt condolences, I did get the opportunity to meet your dad and share some memories, and may God rest your dad's wonderful soul, I just saw this I did not know of his passing.