Franklin “Frank” O. Russell, 87, Neodesha, formerly of Independence, died Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012 at the Wesley Medical Center in Wichita,.

Russell was born Nov. 15, 1924 in Kansas City, Mo., to George Edward and Agnus Lavaine Glover Russell. He grew up in Chanute and graduated from Chanute High School.

Frank then entered the United States Navy serving in World War II from 1942 to 1945 and went on to retire from the United States Navy.

In 1941 Frank married Georgia Anna Lindquist and the couple later divorced. On Sept. 14, 1947 Frank married Wanda Mae Maynard in Iola, and the couple made their home in Chanute, where he worked at Western Petro Chemical Company.

In 1975 the couple moved to Independence. Frank was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Chanute.

Wanda preceded Frank in death

Survivors include one daughter, Kathrine E. Moon, Neodesha; one son James C. Russell, Overland Park; three brothers, Edgar A. Russell of Florida, Ronald Chittenden and Donald Chittenden, both of Chanute; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Celebration of Life graveside services will be 3 p.m. today, March 3 at the Mount Hope Cemetery under the direction of the Potts Chapel in Neodesha, Kansas.

Visitation hours will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today with the family receiving friends from noon to 2 p.m. at the Potts Chapel in Neodesha, 818 W. Main.

The family has suggested memorials to the American Legion Post #139 and contributions may be left at the funeral home.