Russell Olus Vail, age 81, passed away peacefully June 28, 2022, after a courageous battle with bladder cancer. Russell was born on January 28 ^th , 1941, in Bushton, Kansas to Ruth Elizabeth Novinger and Russell William Vail. He grew up with two sisters, Joyce and Gloria, who helped raise him when his father unexpectedly passed away early in Russell's life.

He grew up on the farms in Bushton, and later, Plains, Kansas. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout and always had a love for sports. His passion for hurdling and sprints led him to a successful college track career at Abilene Christian and Southwestern Colleges. He was a three time All American athlete/scholar.

Russell married and moved to Washington, D.C. where he attended the American University for law school. He had an internship at the office of Senator Bob Dole and later entered the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Even though he later moved on from the FBI, he remained lifelong friends with this group of fine gentlemen.  Always staying true to his legal mind, he worked with Ford Motor Company as a legal associate; and his later career took him to his own law practice and then real estate.

Russell never lost an opportunity to travel and get to know new people. He always enjoyed a good meal with coffee and conversation to understand others' point of view, political affiliations, and especially their sense of humor. He had a gift for disarming people with his candid and funny observations.

In his later years, post- heart attack, double knee and hip replacements, Russell still had that competitive spirit and social nature. He joined the Pegasus Race Walking Group.  He greatly enjoyed all the members and had so much fun getting out on the track again.  He was the example of how to stay active and make new friends, even in the later years.

Russell is survived by his wife Jean Vail, daughters RaDawnna Rowland (Chris), DeLynne Siggaard (Torben) and son Britt Vail (Lauren), his grandchildren, William(Buster) Rowland, Russell Rowland, Conner Siggaard, Ryan Siggaard and Charleigh Williams, and his sister Joyce Vail Knott. He is preceded in death by his father, Russell William Vail, Mother, Ruth Novinger Vail, and his sister, Gloria Vail Fruechting.

Of all the gifts Russell had athletically, which were many, he will be remembered by his kids for the time he spent just hanging out together.  It was letting them make silly copies at the office, horse back riding, watching Saturday Night Live, spending time at the lake, and Sunday evening meals together.

He wasn't the type to give a lot of advice, but the few pieces he did give will be remembered.

"It's easy to make friends, you just have to be one".

Memorial graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 5, 2022, at the Plains Cemetery, Plains, Kansas.

If you would like to donate in memory of Russell, please consider Heart to Heart Hospice Services.