Kenneth (Kenny) Franklin Phillips, 85, of Russell, Kansas, died on Saturday, December 01, 2012 at the Russell Regional Hospital. 

Kenny was born July 30, 1927, in Russell, the son of Frank and Minnie (Harsh) Phillips.  Kenny was united in marriage to Ruth Motzner on December 09, 1948 in Woodston, Kansas.  This union was blessed with 3 children Carla, Elizabeth and Paul.  They lived in the Amherst Community until 1974 when they moved to Russell.  He attended school in Fairport and Russell.  He worked in the oil fields for C.R. Proter and American Petrofina.  Most of his life he worked in the service station business.  He owned and operated Phillips 66 for several years.  He also worked as a reserve officer for the Russell Police Department and Russell Sheriff’s Office for many years.  He worked at Gene’s Service Station for many years until his retirement.  He was best known for his friendly service and he never knew a stranger.  His final 10 years he drove his beloved wife, Ruth, to Hays for dialysis and he never complained about doing it.  He loved collecting firearms, hunting and fishing.  He was passionate about Petunia, his favorite sow and loved raising the baby pigs.  He loved spending time with his 3 children and many grandchildren.  He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Paul and going to the farm and hunting, even in the last few years.  He was a member of the Otterbein United Methodist Church of Russell.  He loved listening to Hymns and old country music.

Surviving family include his daughters Carla Batt of Victoria and Elizabeth Langdon and husband Rick of DeSoto, Kansas; son Paul Phillips and wife Glenda of Russell; brother Keith Phillips and wife Ruth of Russell; 6 grandchildren Tim, Ryan, Sara, Laurie, Megan and Amy along with 8 great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Ruth on July 24, 2009; sister Alvetia Reddig and two brothers Dale and Doyle Phillips and son in-law Larry Batt.

A celebration of Kenny’s life will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, December 06, 2012, at the Otterbein United Methodist Church in Russell with Pastor Earl Haggard officiating.  Burial will follow at the Amherst Cemetery south of Waldo, Kansas.  Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Wednesday, December 05, 2012 at the mortuary with family greeting guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Wednesday evening.  Memorials may be given to the Otterbein United Methodist Church in Russell and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.