Kenneth Maynard Russell

KENNETH MAYNARD RUSSELL passed from this earth on Tuesday, February 7, 2023. Ken, beloved Pop, Dad, Pap, and Pap Pap, of Weirton, WV was born July 30th, 1939. He along with his sisters, Donna and Carol, were the loving children of John Maynard and Boneva Law Russell. In 1958, Ken graduated from Weirton Senior High School. A decision to go to a dance in Moundsville with friends led to a chance encounter with the great love of his life, Judith Ann Randolph. On May 5, 1960, Ken and Judy began their story by marrying at Glendale United Methodist Church. Ken and Judy made their home in Weirton with their three children Kenny, Lori, and Eric. In 1958, Ken joined the U.S. Army Reserves at Fort Knox, Kentucky with the Third Training Regiment, Infantry, earning decorations and commendations as a Rifle Marksman. During basic training, he was an honored trainee. After returning from training, he began his 38-year career with Weirton Steel Corporation. He worked as a mill cop, in the boiler house, with the open hearth, as a brakeman on the railroad, and finally as a mechanic in the garage. While working different shifts at Weirton Steel, he also worked at Weirton Lumber Company and as a bread truck driver. In retirement, Ken took on a job with Iannetti’s Garden Center. Ken was not only a hard worker but was also a skilled renaissance man. He could be found in his garage tinkering on a project or his truck for hours. People sought his advice on how to get some piece of equipment working, how to best complete a renovation, and so forth. Ken loved the outdoors. He could be found during various times in his life hunting, fishing, tending to his barn and horses, walking through the fields and woods, and caring for his home. The outdoors is where he could breathe and feel most at ease. Judy often kept him busy with some special project. He would just say “whatever Lola wants, Lola gets”. Ken knew no stranger; in fact, he would give his last dollar or the shirt off his back to help someone in need. Simplicity and a back scratch were all he needed. He enjoyed reading westerns and watching cowboy movies. Ken was an avid storyteller. He would recall his stories from memory not leaving out a single detail. He spoke fondly of memories from summers spent on his grandparent’s farm in Ritchie county. His mind remained sharp even until the end. Ken’s greatest happiness in life came from hunting with his sons, looking for shark’s teeth or sharing crosswords with his daughter, and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren who all had special nicknames given by him. The love and affection he gave them filled their hearts and now his absence will be felt. Ken will be remembered with love by his children Lori Ann Bjorndahl and her husband Gary and Scott Eric Russell and his wife Danielle. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren; Ashley Satterfield and her husband Steve, Courtenay Bjorndahl and her boyfriend Eric; Sidney Russell; Nathan Russell and his fiancé Taylor; Jacob Russell and his wife Danesha. His love and laughter will be missed by his great grandchildren Audrey and Hadley Satterfield, Aliyah and Aurora Russell, and Allyson Russell. He is also survived by his sister in law and brother in law Joyce and Barry Larson along with several nieces and nephews. Ken was preceded in death by his loving wife, Judy on March 22, 2020 and his namesake and son Kenneth Maynard Russell Jr. on September 22, 2013. Now Ken, Judy, and Kenny are reunited in peace and making up for lost time. Ken, Dad, Pop, Pap, Pap Pap please “sail [your] vessel til the river runs dry, like a bird upon the wind, these waters are [your] sky.” Following Ken’s wishes, there were no services scheduled. Arrangements were under the care of Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, Weirton. The family asks that if you knew Ken, spend a moment recalling your fondest memory in his honor. If you wish to make a memorial contribution please do so to your local V.F.W., American Legion, and/or The American Cancer Society.