Gordon Lee Neil, 59 of Russell, Kansas died Monday, June 4, 2012 at the Golden Living Center in Wilson, Kansas.

Gordon was born April 22, 1953 in Lucas, Kansas. At an early age Gordon was adopted into the family of Melvin “Duke” and Helengene (Cook) Neil and moved to their farm west of Russell where he grew up. He graduated from Russell High School in 1972.  Gordon has lived most all of his life in Russell County.

In his younger years, Gordon was a truck driver in the oil industry and for Russell Block Co. Later he worked as a plumber and was employed with Don's Plumbing in Russell.

He was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church of Russell.  He enjoyed working with wood and carpentry projects. He had a friendly personality and loved a good time.

Surviving family include his two sons, Bud Neil and wife, Jennifer Ann of Hays, Kansas and Travis Neil and wife, Jennifer Nicole of Hays, Kansas; three brothers, Bill Neil of Russell, Kansas, Allan Neil of Derby, Kansas and Dale Cowan of Portland, Oregon; three sisters, Janet Metz of Wichita, Kansas, Linda Renberger of Derby, Kansas; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and niece, Brandy Neil-Winkler.

Celebration of Gordon’s Life will be held at 7:00 P.M. Friday, June 8, 2012 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell. Visitation will be from 9 AM to service time on Friday at the mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6PM to service time.  A private family burial will follow the services. A memorial has been established with Hospice Care of Kansas.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these funeral arrangements.