Russell Lee Whorley, age 75, a resident of Belle Plaine, KS since 1956, passed away Thursday evening, December 22, 2016 at Sumner Regional Medical Center.

Russell was born on Decemer 2, 1941 in Lewisburg, TN to Howard Richard Whorley and Nannie Baxter (Hardison) Whorley. He lived in Mayfield, KS from 1943-1956 then moved to Belle Plaine. He was a graduate of Belle Plaine High School.

Russell attended a trade school in Kansas City, MO studying Airline Operations, where later he became an Air Traffic controller at Mid-Continent Airport. He joined the United States Army and served from 1968-1969. Through the years he attended several Law Enforcement Schools and Emergency Management Schools. He served in the Kansas Army National Guard from February of 1964 until March of 1992. He worked for the Belle Plaine Police Department for several years in the 1950's. He also worked for the Sumner County Sheriff's Office for 40 plus years.

The Military Awards he received during his military career were the Award of Excellence on June 30, 1991, Army Achievement Medal (4 times) December 16, 1988, September 24, 1989, June 8, 1990, and October 31, 1991; Meritorious Achievement on April 21, 1990; Meritorious Service Medal on August 18, 1990 and March 13, 1992; and other small awards through the years.

He was a member of the Statement Club, KEMA, and the Kansas Peace Officers Association. He enjoyed working with teenagers and had eight foster teenagers through the years. For over 40 years he participated with the American Legion Boys' State as a Counselor, Advisor, and Director. He worked in Explorer Scout programs since the early 1960's and was also active in 4-H Clubs through the years. He was Chief of Security at the Walnut Valley Music Festival from 1972–2008.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his sister, Marzee Ann Denham and her husband Dale of Florissant, MO; close friend, Jon Bristor and his wife Heather and their two children, Isabella and Paxton of Belle Plaine; and foster-son, James Bennett and his wife Barbara of Wichita.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, January 2, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at the Wellington Church of Christ. David Lawless will officiate. Interment will follow the service at the Belle Plaine Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, January 1, 2017 from 1:00 – 5:00 P.M.

A Memorial has been established with the Belle Plaine Friendship Meals in lieu of flowers.

Frank Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.