John Franklin Luding, 79, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Friday, September 11, 2015 at the Papillion Manor Rehabilitation Center in Papillion, Nebraska.

John was born August 12, 1936 in Florence, Kansas, the son of Harold F. and Dorothy D. (Rosiere) Luding.  He grew up and attended schools in Augusta, Kansas.  He graduated from Augusta High School in the Class of ’54.  He then attended Emporia State University where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business in 1960.

John was united in marriage to Judy Dooley on May 16, 1964 in Russell, Kansas.  This union was blessed with two children; David and Kris. 

John worked for KAW Pipeline for over 30 years retiring as a pipeline technician in 1995.  John and his family lived all over Kansas, where ever a pipeline was being constructed.  In 1970 to 72 they lived in Ecuador when they were running a pipeline across the Andes Mountains.  Then from 1973 to 74 they lived in the Woodville, Texas area before returning to Russell.  He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and a board member of the Russell Library.  When his children were young, he was active in the Russell County Saddle Club and was a 4-H leader.  He was active in the Russell Community Theater for years.  He enjoyed training horses with his children, playing golf, fishing and watching and spending time with his grandchildren.  He was a country boy who loved the outdoors, but became a city boy who loved to play golf.

Surviving family include his wife of 51 years, Judy of the home; son, David Luding (Sandra) of LaVista, Nebraska; daughter, Kris Harris (Jay) of Ness City, Kansas; brother, Joseph Luding (Penny) of Middleburg, Florida; and four grandchildren, Sierra, Kyle, Dakota and Kade; his mule Rufus and dog Zeke.  He was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother Richard and infant sister Mary Ann.

Celebration of the Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, September 18, 2015 at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church.  Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Russell.  Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Thursday, September 17, 2015 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary.  Vigil & Rosary will be held at 7:00 PM Thursday at St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.  A Memorial has been established with St. Mary’s Helping Hand Fund.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell who is in charge of these arrangements.