Russell Jr. Arnett

Russell married Wilma Struble in 1950. To this union five children were born: Jacqueline, Terry, Steve, Danny, and Marty. Russell served his country during the Korean Conflict, and experienced life in Germany, France, and other parts of Europe. After serving in the Army, Russell and Wilma eventually settled on a ranch outside of Attica, Kansas where he worked as the ranch manager for the Ken Mar Ranch. Russell worked long hours on the ranch and taught his children that working for what you needed and wanted was very important! Russell taught his children to ride horses, and they spent many hours and years making precious memories together. 

After many years on the ranch, the Arnett family moved into the city of Attica. Russell went to work as a truck driver. He owned his own truck for a while then worked for other companies, including Rusk Brothers, Brazos, and Southern Kansas Produce, where he insisted on loading his own trailer. Another job he held was Chief of Police in Attica, KS. Russell’s final job was working at Trand from April of 1991 till May of 2006, where he worked with his three sons.

Russell worked hard but always made time for his family and every year the family was blessed to be able to take a family trip to someplace they had never been. They would later take trips with their grandchildren as well. Beautiful memories were made such as when they were in a pop-up trailer in Yellowstone, and the youngest child, Marty, rolled out of bed. His lower body was hanging outside where the tent top snapped to the trailer body. The dog Ginger was barking. Everyone was afraid a bear was going to get him. Russell and Wilma were also able to enjoy several years of travel in his retirement, and until the day he died, he would often say he wished they could have taken just one more trip.

Russell was an ardent fan of John Wayne. He would watch every movie that John Wayne was in and was always excited for the next movie. He thoroughly enjoyed reading and could be found reading book after book about westerns. Russell also collected western memorabilia. 

Russell will be forever missed by his children: Jacqueline (Arnett) Wiseley and husband Randy, Terry Arnett and wife Sandi, Steve Arnett and wife Lynda, Danny Arnett and wife Judy, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren! He found immense joy in each of his 13 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents, wife Wilma Arnett, son Marty Arnett, and three brothers and five sisters.

Service will be held at Attica Methodist Church on Saturday, February 15 at 2:00 p.m. Family and friends are asked to gather at the Memorial Building in Attica after the service. A private family burial will take place at a later time. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of Russell Arnett may be made to the Attica Senior Center and can be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS. 67003.