Billie Jean Russell

Billie Jean Russell, 79, of Topeka, passed away on Sunday, February 7, 2010 at the Colmery-O'Neil VA Medical Center. He was born on February 7, 1931 in Council Grove, the son of Paul S. and Dicie Edison Russell. He graduated from Council Grove High School. He was a Navy veteran of the Korean War. Bill and Nadine moved to Topeka and Bill was employed by Martin Tractor Company as a diesel mechanic. He owned and operated Russell Brothers Texaco and opened Midway Auto Supply which expanded to eight different locations. Bill married Nadine C. Wessel on July 19, 1953 in Council Grove. She survives. Other survivors include their children, Joleen (Ron) Probst of Topeka, Becky (Ron) Griffith of Council Grove, Kathy (Allan) Siegrist of Valley Falls, six grandchildren, Keri, Jeff, Abby, Ashley, Russell, Katie, six great-grandchildren, Evan, Ella, Annie, Hayden, Jackson and Ruby, one sister, Darlene Cobb of Council Grove and three brothers, Jim Russell of Topeka, Estil Russell and Rodney Russell of Olathe. He was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Ave. Burial will follow in Prairie Home Cemetery. Bill will lie in state after 3:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home where the family will receive friends from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be given to the Colmery-O'Neil VA Medical Center, 2200 SW Gage Blvd., Bldg. 24, Topeka, KS 66622.