Russell Penson, age 85, passed away Friday, February 7th, 2020. Services will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, February 14th, at Porter Funeral Home, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS. Friends may call prior to the service from 9:30-10:30 AM. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Foundation of America.

Russell was born January 3rd, 1935 to Alyce and Claude Penson in Kansas City, MO and was the youngest of three boys with older brothers Robert and Richard.

As a youth Russell loved singing in the Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral choir and his love of music followed him all the days of his life. The sound of music, especially 50s music, would immediately start his toes tapping and his head bobbing.

Following high school Russell joined the Coast Guard and married his childhood sweetheart, Donna Vessel. They were married 61 years until her passing in 2015. After the Coast Guard, Russell entered a career in food sales and was Vice President for Williams Foods, Inc. He enjoyed playing golf and tennis and was a member of the Shriners.

Russell is survived by son Russell (Kim) Penson, Spring, TX, daughter Tracy (Brian) Schumacher, Overland Park, KS, grandchildren; Brandon (Megan) Schumacher, Brent Schumacher, Jason (Chrissy), Megan (Marteze), three great grandchildren Marty, Dillon, Autumn, niece Elizabeth (Tom) Clark and great nieces Jordan and Sydney.

He was preceded in death by wife Donna and daughter Arlene Merrick.