Floyd Alvin "Shorty" Russell, son of Alvin Frederick & Elizabeth Mary (Sell) Russell, was born on the family farm in Harlan County, Nebraska on July 29, 1929. He passed away on Monday, January 23, 2017 at the Parkview Care Center in Osborne, Kansas at the age of 87.

After serving his country during the Korean War, Shorty returned home and was united in marriage to Marjorie Jean Jones on September 11, 1955 in Orleans, Nebraska. To this union, three children were born: Cindy, Vicky and Chuck.

Floyd and Marjorie were able to spend 45 years together before her passing on August 17, 2000.

In addition to being a good businessman, Shorty was a career farmer and mechanic. To his children he was a hero and safe haven in times of trouble. To any of us who complained, his standard answer was, "If that's the worst thing to happen to you, consider yourself lucky!"

He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Alvin & Elizabeth, and wife, Marjorie.

Survivors include his children: Cindy Russell of Stockton, KS; Vicky Davis of Phillipsburg, KS; and Chuck Russell & wife, Melissa, of Salina, KS; 11 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren; his sister, Lillian Faye Poague, of Wilcox, NE; a daughter-in-law, Melissa Russell; and nieces, Becky Jo Carlson, Melinda Ferree, Collette Drinkall, and Teresa Williams.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 27, 2017 in the Long Island United Methodist Church, Long Island, KS, with Pastor Ted Stapleton officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the Long Island Cemetery, Long Island, KS.

Shorty will lie in state from noon until 9 p.m. Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, 1115 2nd Street, Phillipsburg, KS 67661. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. for visitation at the funeral chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Roy C. Goodrich American Legion Post No. 304.