John Francis Resley, 80 of Russell, Kansas died Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell.

John was born August 26, 1933 in Russell, the son of Raymond and Clara (Banworth) Resley.  He grew up and attended school in Russell.

John was united in marriage to Barbara Mintz on July 4, 1955 in Russell.  This union was blessed with four children; Paul, Tracy, Kelly and Lisa.  They made their home in Russell.

John was the owner and operator of John’s Welding and Machine Shop.  He has been working in or with the oil patch his whole life.  John enjoyed hunting and fishing, but the most important to him was being with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Surviving family include his wife of 58 years, Barbara of the home; three sons, Paul Resley and wife Ruth of Garden City, Kansas, Tracy Resley of Salina, Kansas and Kelly Resley and wife Karen of Salina, Kansas; daughter, Lisa Wrench of Hoisington, Kansas; brother M.P.”Mars” Resley of Africa; sister Colleta Johnson of Salina, Kansas; grandchildren, Krystal Wohleke of Hoisington, Kansas, Andrea Leiker of Wichita, Kansas, Gina and Christian Resley of Garden City, Kansas, Madison Resley of Cedar City, Utah, Gabrielle, Mikayla and Ethan Resley all of Salina, Kansas, Monica and Travis Watson of Ellis, Kansas, Jennifer and Cody Allen of Garden City, Kansas, Tyler Resley of Grand Island, Nebraska and Christopher Resley of Topeka, Kansas; and great grandchildren, Noah Wohleke, Jacyine Watson, Addison Watson, Cayden Watson and Amiya Resley.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Walter Resley and sister Janice Johnson.

Celebration of John’s Life will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, February 17, 2014 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary with Fr. James Grennan officiating.  A private family burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Russell.  Visitation will be from noon to 8:00 PM Sunday at the mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6 PM to 7 PM.  A Memorial has been established with the Russell County E.M.S.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.