Walter H. Pemberton, Jr., 91, of Russell, Kansas, fell asleep in death on March 13, 2009 at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell.  Walter was born September 19, 1917 in Paso Robles, California the son of Walter Harold, Sr. and Mabel (Gould) Pemberton.  He was one of four sons, including brothers Carl, Don and Roy.

He fell in love with and was united in marriage to Willmetta Boxberger on July 1, 1941 and from this union they were blessed with a son named Jim.  Walter and Willmetta were accepted into Gilead Missionary School and in 1946 they began their foreign assignment in Ecuador.  A brief story of their life in South America is chronicled in the 1989 yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses, pages 200-206.  After serving as missionaries for 4 years they returned stateside and helped many small congregations in Kansas.

He also lived in Grand Saline, San Antonio, and Bastrop, Texas He moved back to Kansas in 1967.  Then in 1974 he moved to Atascadero, California to take care of his father and mother.  He moved back to Kansas in 1977.  They loved to go camping, fishing and golfing.  He has many family and friends who will miss him greatly.

Survivors are his son James E. Pemberton and wife Donita L. of Russell; grandsons Jordan Pemberton of Russell and Jared D. Pemberton of Nashville, Tennessee.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 61 years who died on January 9, 2003, , and his three brothers and infant twin brothers Leon and LeRoy.

A memorial service of remembrance will be held 2:30 PM Sunday, March 22, 2009 at the Kingdom Hall on 15^th and Ash St. in Russell.  Cremation has preceded the services and there will be no service at the cemetery.  Condolences and cards may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell.  Condolences may be sent via email by going to www.pvpmortuary.com.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral arrangements.