Russell E. Searcey

Russell Eugene Searcey, 96, of Marysville, Kansas, formerly of Barneston, Nebraska diedMonday, February 26, at Cambridge Place in Marysville.Visitation is Sunday, March 4 from Noon to 3:00 p.m. at Kinsley Mortuary in Marysville and prior to the service at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Wymore, Neb.A rosary service was held at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, March 4, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Wymore.A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 5, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Wymore.Russ was born May 5,1921 in rural Barneston, son of L.G. and Frances (Russell) Searcey. Hegraduated from Barneston High School in 1937. He attended the University of Nebraska for twoyears and then worked for Beech Aircraft in Wichita, Kansas until entering the service in 1942.He served his country honorably during WWII conducting operations across France, Belgium,and Holland as a member of the United States Army's 104th Infantry (Timberwolf) Division,413th Regiment earning the rank of Master Sergeant. His division, also known as "The FightingTimberwolves," entered into 198 days of consecutive combat from October 1944 - May 1945fighting back fierce German counterattacks while liberating several concentration camps. As aresult of his actions during this time, Russ was was awarded the coveted Bronze Star.Russ was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Barneston and then St. Gregory’sCatholic Church in Marysville. He served as president of the Barneston School Board and wasa member and past commander of the Barneston American Legion where he recently receivedthe American Legion Certificate of Continuous Membership for 70 years.Russ and his beloved wife, Rosie, were married on February 9,1948 and last year, celebrated69 years of marriage. During these years, he farmed near Barneston and raised three sons,Gail, Max and L.G. He was an avid sports fan enjoying Husker football, the St. Louis Cardinalsand the events his grandchildren and great-grandchildren participated in. Russ lovedconversation and often entertained others with his sense of humor, wit, and sharp mind thatremembered names, dates and places from his 96 years of life.He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Rosella Searcey; sisters, Evelynand Margaret Searcey; brothers, Robert and Elton Searcey.Survivors include his sons, Gail (Connie) Searcey, Lincoln, Max (Patty) Searcey, Marysville,and L.G. (Becky) Searcey, Lincoln; sister-in-law, Joan Pacha, Hanover, Kansas; sixgrandchildren, Dustin Searcey, Chad Searcey, Shannon (Mike Bussmann) Searcey, ShaneSearcey, Ben (Hannah) Searcey, and Jordan (Brett) Shamblin; and eight great-grandchildren,Cash Searcey, Covey Searcey, Slayton Searcey, Stone Searcey, Beau, Bailee, and BreeBussmann, and Emery Searcey.A memorial fund has been established to Barneston American Legion Post #356, Barneston,Nebraska. Contributions may be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary, Marysville. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Russell E. Searcey, please visit our flower store.