Russell Zornes

Russell R. Zornes, 88, of Iola, Kansas, passed away Monday, August 17, 2015, at Windsor Place in Iola, surrounded by his family. Russell Roy Zornes was born on October 20, 1926 to William and Emma (Hess) Zornes on the family farm north of Moran, KS. He was the fifth of six children. He was preceded in death by brothers, William (Wes), Wyman (Cap), Marvin (Ike) and two sisters Evelyn Zornes and Lucille Catron. Russell left the family farm and joined his brother Wes in California doing construction. In 1946 he met his future wife Jessie Lee Adams at a street mission meeting in San Diego. Russell returned to Kansas and Jessie to her hometown, Old Joe, Arkansas. The love story continued as he and his brother Ike traveled with no map to Arkansas stopping in the nearby town of Mountain Home to ask for directions at a local diner. As fate would have it, who was there but Jessie! He brought her back to Iola, KS, married her and they made their home together for fifty-four years in the community. She preceded him in death in 2001. They were members of the First Assembly of God Church and helped construct this present building. He and Jessie did the fiberglass work on the baptismal. He also supported the local schools, little leagues, 4-H, Cub Scouts and was a member of the Elks. Russell was a devoted employee of Lehigh Cement Plant for nearly twenty-five years until its closure in 1970. Then was a committed employee of IMP Boats and later Gates Rubber Company until his retirement in 1990. He worked part-time for C&S making cattle oilers for 28 years. Relaxation came when the hard work was done. Russell enjoyed hunting and fishing with brothers, brother-in-laws, sons, grandsons, nephews and friends. He was an avid hunter known for his western Kansas pheasant hunting trips and quail hunts around the Moran area. He loved to run trot lines with his brother Cap on the Neosho River with bragging rights of a 62 lb. catfish. He enjoyed years of camping and boating, teaching many to water ski behind his 1960 IMP Redfish boat. He was able to water ski in five decades. He was a devoted St. Louis Cardinal fan spending many hours listening to Harry Caray on the radio while working in his barn. One of Russell's famous quotes was "never give up on your team". Gospel music was of great joy to him. Time was spent around the family piano and organ singing and playing band instruments with family and friends. Russell's pride and joy was his children and their families. He spent time visiting them in their homes and traveling with them on vacations. He was a true Dad wanting the best for his kids. He valued education and hard work and was always happy to share their accomplishments. Jessie and Russell had five sons and two daughters, thirteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He is survived by David and wife Cindy, Edmond, OK, Donna Zornes, Ottawa, KS, Bill and wife Patty, Kearney, MO, Robert and wife Susan, Kansas City, MO, Janice Wing and husband Dave, St. Joseph, MO, Terry and wife Sandy, Iola, KS, and Thomas Tracy, Fort Worth, TX. Grandchildren: Greta, Gregory, Eric, Carl, Bobby, Josh and Brett Zornes, Elizabeth Cummins, Jeremie, Jack, and Jommel Wing, Travis and Landon Boyce. Great Grandchildren: Priya, Allison, Genevieve, Nathan and Bennett. He is survived by one sister-in-law; Nettie Jo Whiteaker and many nieces and nephews. He will also be remembered by his wonderful caretakers who he fondly thought as his adoptive family. Their home on south Kentucky was a warm gathering place where friends and family were always welcomed and cherished. Russell and Jessie were generous and loving, sharing gifts of meals and garden produce with all. Anyone walking thru the back door into the warm kitchen will always remember the smells, the hugs and the love. Russell was the loving head of a beautiful family and will be greatly missed. VISITATION: 6:00-8:00 p.m., Thursday, August 20, 2015, at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. FUNERAL SERVICE: 10:30 a.m., Friday, August 21, 2015, at First Assembly of God Church in Iola. BURIAL: Highland Cemetery, Iola, Kansas MEMORIAL CHOICES: Mother's Refuge(a safe-haven for homeless, pregnant and parenting teenagers and their babies. Robert Zornes is the executive director) or Windsor Place Activity Fund Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangement. To sign the guestbook online or leave a condolence, go to www.iolafuneral.com .