Born on March 9, 1939 in Belmont, West Virginia, Charles “Jeff” and Mary (Davis) Russell announced the birth of their son, Charles Kenneth. The younger of two children, Charlie grew up in Waverly, West Virginia with his sister, Helen. As a young boy, he became fond of hunting and fishing. Charlie enjoyed casting his rod into the Ohio River to snag that perfect catch. At the age of 14, Charlie owned his first gun. His brother-in-law and friends would hunt anything that had four legs; rabbits, deer, squirrels and anything else that got in their way. Even though they had four legs; Charlie loved his animals, especially his dogs and pet groundhog named Elmer.
In 1959, Charlie graduated from St. Mary’s High School in St. Mary, West Virginia. He entered the National Guard and proudly served for four years, while working as an auto mechanic. In 1964, Charlie started working for US Airways. He held numerous jobs as a ticket agent, ramp attendant and ended up in operations. In 1991, due to health issues, Charlie had to take an early retirement after 27 years. He was also a 32nd Degree Mason in his early years in West Virginia.
In the 9th grade, Charlie became interested in a classmate named, Jo Ann White. They became high school sweethearts and love of each other’s life. On October 25, 1963, Charlie and Jo Ann exchanged wedding vows at the United Methodist Church in Williamstown, West Virginia. They were blessed with two beautiful girls, Lynn and Elaine.
In 1981, Charlie moved his family to Prior Lake, MN, due to the restructuring of the airlines. He was able to continue his love of fishing and hunting. Charlie became a big game hunter, with trophies such as, an elk, antelope and even a bear. After retirement, he enjoyed working around the yard and became a gifted man with his hands. A talented gunsmith, Charlie customized many guns along the way, with his special inlays and checkering. He enjoyed target shooting and was a well-known meticulous gunsmith. Expanding his talents, Charlie became interested in learning how to play the banjo. This hobby led him to build numerous intricate banjos along the way.
Quiet in nature, with a determined creative side, Charlie was strong willed, yet a very loving husband, father and grandpa. At the age of 72 and a resident of Prior Lake, Charlie passed away surrounded by his loving family the early morning of Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at Friendship Manor Nursing Home in Shakopee, MN.
Forever loved, Charlie will be deeply missed by wife of 48 years, Jo Ann; daughters, Lynn (Jesse) Neher of Lakeville, Elaine (Tony) Bourdeaux of Jordan; grandchildren, Courtney and Megan Neher, Alexandria, Dalton, Sydney and Hailee Bourdeaux; sister, Helen Lehew of Weirton WV; many other loving relatives and devoted friends. Charlie is preceded in death by his parents; Jeff and Mary Russell.
The Celebration of Life Service will be on Tuesday, November 22 at 7 p.m. with visitation starting at 5:30 p.m. all at the Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake, MN.
The urn bearer will be Dalton Bourdeaux, Charlie’s grandson.
