Russell John Martin, born March 24, 1959, passed away peacefully at home, the place he loved most, surrounded by his family and his loyal dog, Rudy on April 30, 2026.

On March 19, 1977, Russ married the love of his life, Pamela Wild. Their marriage was a true example of unconditional love-steadfast through both joyful times and moments of trial. Together, they built a life grounded in devotion, resilience, and deep companionship.

Russ was preceded in death by his sister, Tricia Clark, and nephews Jared Cheek and Tate Bernardel. He is survived by his beloved wife, Pam; his children, Ryan (Michelle) Martin of St. Marys, Kansas, and Hillary (Mike) Brunin of Eudora, Kansas; and his cherished grandchildren, Vivian, Atticus, and Leo Martin, and Corbin and Quinn Brunin. He is also survived by his parents, John and Aggie Martin of St Marys, Kansas; five sisters; and several nieces, nephews, and in-laws. He was an exceptionally proud grandpa and loved his grandchildren deeply. Although his health prevented him from attending many of their events in recent years, he never missed a chance to support them-faithfully tuning in whenever there was a way to watch from home.

He had a lifelong love of music and could often be found singing and dancing along, especially to artists he followed long before they became widely known-from Bruce Springsteen to The Rainmakers. Russ was an avid reader with a curious mind and a remarkable memory, making him the kind of teammate everyone wanted in a game of Trivial Pursuit.

He found great joy in the outdoors and had an impressive knowledge of birds, often able to identify them in flight. While he appreciated most birds, sparrows were a known exception-particularly when they interfered with his Purple Martin houses.

Russ loved hunting and shared this respect of nature with his family. He taught his son, son-in-law and grandchildren how hunting is an enjoyable pastime that allows one to be closer to nature.

Russ will be remembered for his love of family, his enduring spirit, and the quiet ways he stayed connected to the people and passions that mattered most to him. His legacy lives on in the lives of those he loved so dearly.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Memorial contributions may be made to Elara Caring, who provided wonderful and compassionate support to Russ and Pam through in-home OT, PT and hospice care. Contributions can be sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, KS 66536

A visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM on Friday, May 8 at Piper Funeral Home in St. Marys. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, May 9 at the Maple Hill Community Congregational Church, 104 4th St., Maple Hill, KS with burial following in Maple Hill Cemetery.