Donald R. Harbaugh

Donald R. Harbaugh , 92 of Russell died Sunday morning, August 10, 2008 at the Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell. Don was born November 21, 1915 in Bunker Hill , the son of Walter and Verena (Wehrli) Harbaugh. He grew up in Bunker Hill and Sharon Springs , Kansas . He graduated from Wallace High School in Sharon Springs .

Don served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He was stationed on a mine sweeper ship in the Philippines as a radio operator. After the war he returned to Russell.

Don was united in marriage to Bessie Marie Dutt on December 27, 1941 in Hays. This union was blessed with a daughter, Dona. Bessie preceded him in death on December 1, 2005.

Don worked for the City of Russell for over 32 years in the City Power Plant as a plant operator. He also repaired TVs for Shannon ’s Appliance.

He was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church of Russell. A life member of the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240, the Russell Elks Lodge and the Russell American Legion Post #99. Don was a quiet man that enjoyed listening to music and tinkering with radios and televisions. He would repair small appliances, radios, and other items that were donated to the Trinity Thrift Store.

Surviving family include his daughter, Dona Reddig and husband Roger of Russell; two grandchildren, Melisa Kennedy of Dodge City and Eric Reddig of Russell; and one brother, Everett “Bud” Harbaugh of Baytown, Texas; four great grandchildren, Kellen Kennedy, Kourtney Soltero, Kylie Reddig and Hunter Reddig; and one great-great grandson, Payton Soltero. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Bessie, sister Frances Stewart, and grandson Todd Reddig.

Celebration of Don’s Life will be held at 3:00 PM Thursday, August 14 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell with Rev. Terry McGuire officiating. Interment will follow at Russell City Cemetery where the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 Honor Guard will be conducting military rites. Visitation will be from 9 AM to 8 PM Wednesday at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary. A memorial has been established with the Trinity United Methodist Church . Contributions and condolences may be left with Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary who are in charge of these arrangements. Condolences may also be sent via email at www.pvpmortuary.com.