Obituary

Earl Russell Werner, 83, of Newton, passed away peacefully on Monday (Oct. 11, 2010) at Kansas Christian Home, following a lengthy illness.

He was born on Dec. 15, 1926, in Norton to Chet and Mabel Archer Werner. Russ will be best remembered for his infectious laugh. Russ moved to the Newton area with his family in 1936 and attended school in Newton. Before his graduation from Newton High School, he was drafted into the Army, where he served in Korea as a staff sergeant in a military police unit. After his discharge, he returned to Newton and attended Bethel College. His first job during high school was delivering ice for the Newton Ice Co. After his return from the military, he took a job as an apprentice painter with Anderson Brothers Painting Co. He became an excellent painter and could match any color or stain with perfection.

In 1961, Russ was elected sheriff for Harvey County. He was sheriff for four years. During this time, he and his family resided in the old jail off of Eighth Street. He was instrumental in planning the new jail in 1964. His daughters often remind other family members they grew up in the Harvey County Jail. After his stint as sheriff, he went back to painting, but this time he started his own business, known as Werner Paint and Wallpaper. He did this successfully for more than 30 years. His bond with the Anderson family remained with him until the end.

Russ married Lorna Wiebe in 1948. In 1964, he married Esther Wall, and they made their home in Newton. He was a member of Masonic Lodge, Ducks Unlimited and the United Presbyterian Church. Russ enjoyed duck hunting and never missed an opening day. He enjoyed his children, grandchildren and especially his great-grandchildren.

He is survived by Karen Werner Wall and husband Jerry of Newton, Mary Werner of Wichita, Julian Wall and wife Sandy of Newton and Jan Wall Billings and husband Roger of Morrison, Colo.; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sisters, Ruby Swim, Dixie Roberts, Norma Wilson, Dorothy Stauffer and Midge Carroll; and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and two sisters, Althea Varker and Violet Woelk.

Memorial service will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Newton. The family asks that memorials be made to Caring Hands Humane Society in Newton.