Russell Kimberlin

Russell E. Kimberlin, 87, of Tonganoxie, passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at his home. 

Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00AM Monday, April 27, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Tonganoxie, KS.  Rosary recitation 5:30 PM and visitation 6:00-8:30PM, Sunday, April 26, 2026. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Russell was born on October 16, 1938, in Leavenworth County, the son of Hubert A. and Mary Alice (Babcock) Kimberlin. He was a 1956 graduate of McLouth High School.

He married Charlene (Moore) on June 20, 1959, at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Basehor, KS, she survives at the home. They had one son, Mark Alan Kimberlin, and two grandchildren, Taylor Nicole (Ramon) Rivera and Colby Alan (Darby) Kimberlin.

Russell was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Juanita Herries. He is survived by three brothers, LeRoy (Pat) Kimberlin, Montrose, CO, John (Carolyn) Kimberlin, Austin, CO, and Ronald (Michelle) Kimberlin, Franklinton, LA, and several nieces and nephews. 

Russell served in the US Army from 1961 to 1963. He was a charter member of the Tonganoxie Jaycees in 1964 and he held all local and several state offices. He was a former member of the Tonganoxie City Council and the Tonganoxie Planning Committee.

He worked for Southwest Steel Fabricators, Inc. in Bonner Springs for 38 years, serving as plant manager for 22 years. He was a member of the American Welding Society for 26 years where he served in all offices and chairman of the Kansas City Section for one year. He also was a certified welding inspector for 12 years.

He was a charter member of the Knights of Columbus #11352 of Tonganoxie and held several offices including as Grand Knight. He was also a charter member of St. John Paul II Assembly in Lawrence, Kansas in 1997. He was selected Knight of the Year for the State of Kansas in 2001. 

Russell served as Chairman of the Bi-Centennial Park in Tonganoxie from 1975-76 and was the Building Chairman for Sacred Heart Parish Center in Tonganoxie, which was built in 2004. He received the Citizen of the Year Award from the Tonganoxie Chamber of Commerce in 2004 and also received the Wall of Fame Award from the Tonganoxie Recreation Commission in 2011.

Memorials are suggested to Sacred Heart Building Fund.  Barnett Family Funeral Home, Oskaloosa, KS is assisting the family at this time. barnettfamilyfh.com