WILLIAM WARD RUSSELL

Feb. 28, 1940–Oct. 16, 2025

William Ward Russell passed away peacefully on Oct. 16, 2025, at Weston County Manor in Newcastle, Wyoming.

Bill was born Feb. 28, 1940, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Nell and James Russell. In the mid-40s, his mother, sister, and Bill moved to Newcastle, where Bill attended elementary through high school, graduating in 1958. Bill excelled in numerous sports. He was a state champion sprinter.

Bill and Lynda Taylor were married in the fall of 1958. In the ensuing years, they raised their four children, Lynnell, Ward, Amelia and Ted.

While in high school, Bill had joined the Wyoming National Guard. As a young father, he was commissioned into the United States Army, where he served until October of 1975.  Bill served two tours of duty in Vietnam and two years in Germany, where he was able to have his family with him. Upon leaving the army, Bill completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Business at Kansas State University and a Master’s Degree in Banking at the Seattle School of Banking while remaining active in the Army Reserve.  

In 2000, he retired from banking and from the military where he had attained the rank of major. At that time, he and Lynda moved back to his boyhood home in Newcastle, where he remained active in the community. He was a member of the First Methodist Church, a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and a member of Kalif Shrine.  

Bill was the protector of his family, and he was humble and loyal. Those close to him will miss his leadership, unconditional love, sense of humor, and companionship.

Bill is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lynda; daughters, Lynnell Russell, and Amelia Power (Jonathan); sons, William Ward Russell Jr. (Anne) and Theodore Russell (Monica); two grandsons; three granddaughters; three great-granddaughters; brother-in-law, David Taylor (Beverly); six nephews; and two nieces.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Nell Russell; father, James Russell; sister, Katilou Winter; and nephew, Jamie Winter.

A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Newcastle on Nov. 8 at 11 a.m. A Celebration of Life and interment will take place at Black Hills National Cemetery in the summer of 2026.

Bill’s family wish to thank the Weston County Manor staff for the wonder-
ful, loving care he received during
his residence.