Charles E. Russell

Charles E. Russell of Wichita died May 13, 2026.

Funeral Service will be Friday, June 5, 2026, at Downing & Lahey East Chapel, 6555 E. Central, Wichita. Visitation at 9:30 am, funeral at 10:00 am.

Charlie was born February 18, 1934 to Jesse and Zelma Russell in Wichita. He attended schools in Wichita, graduating from North High in 1952. It was in 10th grade that he met Gloria Hodges, the love of his life. Charlie played baseball all through school with Gloria sharing his enthusiasm. They married June 12, 1954.

In 1956 Charlie graduated from WSU with a degree in Business Administration. Many people would say that he really went to college so that he could play baseball! He pitched for the University of Wichita Shockers and played for the Boeing Bo-Jets for two summers.

After graduation Charlie joined the Air Force with the desire to become a pilot. He earned his pilots license and went on to exceed the speed of sound in an F-100 Super Sabre. After serving his last tour in England he returned to Wichita and was honorably discharged September 1960.

From there Charlie began his 32 year career with IBM. He started as a Sales Representative in the Office Products division, selling Selectric typewriters in Rapid City, SD. Charlie utilized his charismatic, caring and respectful personality to advance his career in Sales Management and Human Resources at IBM. Charlie was recognized for his accomplishments by receiving IBM’s Sales Leadership Award for 8 consecutive years, IBM’s Division Presidents Award, IBM’s Vice President-Group Executive Award and others. His advancement with IBM entailed over 10 moves including assignments in Paris and Tokyo. Wherever Charlie and Gloria lived they made wonderful friends that meant so much to them. They traveled the world learning about new cultures, meeting new people, learning history and trying new foods. Charlie retired from IBM in 1992.

Charlie was always an avid athlete, a believer in exercise and watched his diet. His younger years centered around playing baseball while he later turned to handball, jogging, tennis, racquet ball, and paddle tennis. He loved to jog and literally jogged all over the world. As he traveled he would rise early in the morning and jog around a new city learning what it had to offer.

After a full career Charlie and Gloria chose to retire to their hometown of Wichita. They found many friends from elementary school through college, still living in Wichita. They quickly picked up those wonderful relationships, made many new friends and enjoyed lots of parties and good times. They spent 2 weeks every June for 26 consecutive years in Omaha attending the Men’s Baseball College World series. They would meet up with friends from all over for an eventful 2 weeks. Charles became a full time volunteer for various organizations in the Wichita community. His compassionate and leadership skills led him to the Wichita Red Cross. He began volunteering for the Red Cross in 1993 working blood drives. He went on to drive seniors to their appointments, was a Volunteer of the Year, served on the Board of Directors and was elected Chairman in 1999. In 2001 he was the first recipient of the Velma Lunt Wallace award.

Friendships were very important to Charlie and he was involved in the North High School reunions. He enjoyed finding and connecting with past school mates and helping to organize the reunions. In 2013 he was inducted into the North High School Hall of Fame for being a “Pioneer and Role Model in the area of Business/Education”.

Charles and Gloria loved everything about WSU. They had season tickets to mens baseball and basketball for years and attended the girls volleyball games. Charles was involved in the curriculum planning for the Business school, contributing his extensive knowledge of international business. In 2011 he established a Russell family scholarship fund for students studying International Business at WSU.

Charles and Gloria moved to the campus of Catholic Care in Bel Aire 6 years ago. Charlie loved meeting new friends there and going to the many activities offered, particularly Bingo! He attended his therapies regularly, loved his “trainers” and considered therapy his “exercise” for the day. Charlie enjoyed getting to know the wonderful employees from all departments and learning about them and their families.

When recently asked what he feels best about in his life Charlie replied, “my long, loving marriage to Gloria and my 3 children”. Charlie is survived by his wife Gloria of Wichita; daughter Stephanie (Steve) Harper of Anacortes, WA; sons: Scott Russell of Wichita, and Steven Russell of Denver, CO.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to:

Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741

Charles E. Russell Memorial c/o WSU Foundation, 1845 Fairmount, Campus Box 2, Wichita, KS 67260-0002