Russell Charles Harness, age 85, passed away to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 18, 2014 in the Comanche County Hospital. He was born at home on September 30, 1928 in the Buttermilk Community to Walter (Tint) and Mabel Klasser Harness.
Russell was a lifelong rancher of Comanche County. He attended Glendale School for eight years and graduated from Coldwater High School in 1946. After graduation, he began farming and ranching with his father. While Russell and Norene were dating, they both were homeless at the same time due to their homes being destroyed. In May of 1949, five days before Norene's high school graduation, her home was destroyed by a tornado. The following morning, Russell's home was destroyed by fire. Through adversity, a true love was born that lasted over six decades.
Russell and Norene were married on August 13, 1950 at the United Methodist Church in Coldwater, Kansas and established their first home 23 miles south of Coldwater. In 1951, Russell served with distinction during the Korean War in the US Army 2nd Division, 23rd Infantry Regiment. Russell and Norene were blessed with three daughters and later, eight grandchildren. The Harness' enjoyed country living as a rewarding way of life for their family, providing the opportunities to learn and contribute while working together. Saddling up the horses for early morning cattle roundups and preparing food for the hungry crew created lots of "home on the range" family memories. Russell and Norene celebrated 63 years of life together.
Russell was an expert horseman. He loved sharing his knowledge of horses with family and friends. He enjoyed cutting horse contests, horse shows, rodeos, 4-H events and horse races. Russell was known as an elite breed, an "original cowboy". Russell's joy of his life was the love of his family and taking care of his cow herds. Even at 85 years old, he got up with the sun everyday through rain, sleet or snow to tend to his daily chores.
He was a member of the Antioch Methodist Church, Coldwater United Methodist Church, Coldwater Masonic Lodge, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War, Kansas Angus Association, American Quarter Horse Association, Kansas Cutting Horse Association, Kansas Livestock Association and National Rifle Association.
Russell is survived by his loving wife, Norene; three daughters, Diane Willems and husband, Vaughn, of Protection, Kansas, Connie Edmonston and husband, Craig, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Shala Unruh of Coldwater, Kansas and Jerry Hess of Protection, Kansas; grandchildren, Andrew Willems and wife, Heidi, Megan Edmonston, Dustin Edmonston, Brandi Unruh, Clay Unruh, Kimber Unruh, Andrew Hess and Sarah Hess; two great-children, Simon Willems and Eden Willems; one sister, Elaine Watkins and husband Ivan of Medicine Lodge, Kansas; nieces Gayla McKinney and husband Cliff McKinney, and LeAnn Carver and husband Jerry Carver; cousins; and many cowpoke friends, both young and old. He was an exceptional loving grandfather and involved in each of their lives. The instructive horseback lessons, as well as playing checkers and pool games with his grandchildren provided many fun times together. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter (Tint) and Mabel Harness; a sister, Donna Jean; and a brother, Ronald.

Calling times are from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 21, 2014 (Family will be present from 6-7) at Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, Coldwater, KS.

Memorial Service to celebrate Russell's life is Thursday, May 22nd at 10 a.m., United Methodist Church of Coldwater, KS with Rev Gary Merritt and Gary Moore. Burial is at the Crown Hill Cemetery following the service.

Memorials may be sent to the 4-H Fair Board, Coldwater United Methodist Church, or Divine Redeemer Educational Youth Outreach (Andrew Willems, Director) in care of Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, P.O. Box 417, Coldwater, KS 67029.