- Date Of Death: May 5, 2021
- City: Columbus
- State: Indiana
RUSSELL LEE MATHENY, 75, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, May 5, 2021, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Russell was born in Columbus, Indiana where his father was racing midget race cars. The family home was in Jacksonville, Florida. His father died when he was four. Whereby, his Mother moved the family to Louisville, Kentucky. He entered military service in 1964 with the U.S. Marine Corps and served in the Vietnam War 1965-1966. He received 2 Purple Hearts, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, Vietnamese Service Medal with Two Stars, and Rifle Expert Qualification Badge. He honorably left the military after four years of service with the rank of Corporal.
Russell was a retired Iron Worker and a member of Iron Worker’s Local #70 in Louisville, Kentucky. He also enjoyed membership with Salt River Lodge, F. & A.M. in Mt. Washington, Kentucky; Kosair Shriners of Louisville, Kentucky; he enjoyed a life membership V.F. W. Post 3349, Member of American Legion Palm Valley Post 233 in Ponte Vedra. He was also a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Crescent City, Florida. He liked to hunt, fish, and ride his Harley. His family all say he was THE Greatest Grill Master.
Russell was preceded in death by his parents, Robert William and Dorothea Jane Randolph Matheny; three brothers, Richard, Donald, and William Matheny; niece Becky.
Russell is survived by his wife of 22 years, Kathryn Ann Matheny, his soulmate and love of his life; Sons, Douglas Russell(Jackee) and Jeffrey Scott Matheny; the mother of his children Mary Rhynearson; Step-son Andrew B Campbell; six Grandchildren: Brent, Noah, Rusty, Kyle, Olivia, and Kylie Matheny; nieces and nephews: Steve, Gary (Nicci), Jimmy (Beth), Robert, Terri (David), Randy and a Whole Host of Special Friends that loved him like family.
