On September 16, 2018, Randolph "Randy" Neil Russell, passed away and went to be with the Lord at the age of 57. Randy was born on June 30, 1961 to Roger and Lois (Hackerott) Russell in Olathe, KS.
He grew up in Olathe and enjoyed a wonderful childhood in a loving and devoted family. As a youth, Randy was very involved in 4-H, his church youth group, and sports. He loved time on his grandparents’ farms, where he learned many wonderful things from his grandfather, father and uncles. He loved fishing in the ponds, building things and being outdoors.
After graduating from Olathe North High School, Randy attended Mid-America Nazarene College and Pittsburg State University where he competed in Track and Field, and participated in FCA. Randy graduated from PSU in 1984 with his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Marketing and Economics. He later went on to earn his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Baker University.
On June 15, 1985, he married his sweetheart, Kristeen Ann (Walker). Randy and Kristy lived in Gardner, Kansas for 28 years where they raised their five beautiful children: Hannah, Emily, Sarah, Elijah, and Leah. Randy owned and operated his own business, Covenant Construction, Inc. for the past 20 years and was blessed to have the joy and privilege of working with many wonderful people over the years. Prior to starting his own business, Randy worked in Sales for Clow Valve Company. Randy was a member of the Johnson County Board of Code Review, a licensed contractor and formerly served on the Board for Water District No. 7.
Randy was a member of Christ Community Church in Olathe, and a Children’s Leader in Bible Study Fellowship for many years. Prior to attending Christ Community, he attended Countryside Baptist Church in Olathe, where he had the great joy of serving in Journey to Judea and served as an elder at Olathe Bible Church. He was honored to be a founding board member of Christ Preparatory Academy, where he was also a Track and Field coach; he volunteered as coach for the Metro Academy Mavericks and the Gardner Blazers youth basketball team. He was a proud board member of Living Waters Canoe Ministry and previously served on the board of If Not for Grace Ministry. He was the Superintendent of the Electric Department at the Johnson County Fair for many years.
He enjoyed fishing, traveling with his family, cooking, serving others, music and theater productions, especially musicals. He valued hard work, leisure, and spending time with his family. Above all he valued his relationship with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His faith, integrity, and generosity were hallmarks of his character.
Randy is survived by his loving wife, Kristy, children Hannah Russell Flentie (Dustin),Emily, Sarah, Elijah, and Leah Russell, mother Lois Russell, sister Carol Russell Lang (David), Elizabeth Lang and many cousins, aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his father, Roger Neil Russell.
Visitation will be held Friday, September 21, 2018, from 10:00am-12:30pm with funeral service to follow at 1:30 pm at Christ Community Church, 20600 W. 119th St., Olathe, KS.
Private burial in Olathe Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Living Waters Canoe Ministry or Christ Community Church Of Olathe.
