Russell Sims, 65, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away at home June 29, 2021. Russell is survived by his wife, Rita, of the home; his daughter, Jeanne Constantine and her husband Randy of Edmond, Oklahoma; his son Matt Sims and his wife Kate of Wichita; his stepson Jason Reichenberger of Wichita; and three grandchildren, Morgan, Anna, and Jon.
Russell was born in Hutchinson, Kansas, Dec. 1, 1955, to Gene and Claudine Sims. He was the sixth of seven children with two brothers and four sisters. When Russell was 10 years old his mother died of cancer. One year later, Russell and two of his sisters went to live at Maude Carpenter’s Children’s Home (now known as Carpenter Place) for three years. While at Carpenter Place Russell was baptized while at church camp at Silver Maple Church camp.
In August 1981, Russell enlisted in the U.S. Army and served for 11 years. In 1992 he left the Army to serve in the U.S. Air Force until December 2017. When Russell retired from military service, after 36 years, he had achieved the rank of senior master sergeant.
Russell married Rita Winter July 7, 1984, at Central Church of Christ (now known as Riverwalk Church of Christ) in Wichita. While in the military, Russell also worked in home improvement, working at All Weather Products for many years. Russell and Rita began buying rental property in 1995 and continued in the rental property business to this date.
Russell was diagnosed with throat cancer in March 2018. He fought this fight for 3 ½ years through numerous rounds of chemo therapy, radiation treatments and surgeries as the cancer spread to his lungs and liver.
Russell passed away peacefully with family by his side.
Russell’s service will be held at Riverwalk Church of Christ, 225 N. Waco, Wichita, July 6. The service will be held at 10 a.m.