Russell F. Kershaw's Obituary
Russell Fred Kershaw passed away on the morning of June 28, 2024 in Palm Coast, Florida at
the age of 94. He was surrounded by his loving wife, Kathi, and four children: Sarah, Blake,
Ashley, and Dakota.
Russell was born on June 12, 1930 in Methuen, Massachusetts to Fred and Ada Kershaw. He
was raised on a dairy farm with his four siblings: Larry, Marion, Watson, and Roy. Russell had a
lifelong love of animals, most notably, his childhood pet lamb, Lily. In his teenage years, he also
lived on a ranch where his cowboy dreams began. Once, he even got to ride horses with Gene
Autry in a rodeo parade. Russell later joined the Navy from February 1950 until December 1953
and served in the Korean War on the U.S.S. Leyte. He was a skilled tradesman and while
enlisted, he performed the duties of a steel-metal worker. The Navy allowed Russell to see
many parts of the world, which was a formative experience for the young adventure-seeker.
Algeria, Italy, Japan, and Portugal are just a few of the countries he visited during his tours.
After completing his military service, Russell returned to Methuen and raised three children:
Russell Jr. (Susan), Douglas, and Audrey (Fred). Through these children, Russell has 8
grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
Later in life, he moved to Flagler Beach, Florida, where he met Kathi at Mamma Mia Restaurant
(now Oceanside Beach Bar & Grill). She was a server at the time and when they started dating,
he got a job in the kitchen tossing pizza. They were married in December 1982 and would have
celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary this year. In those four decades of marriage, they
spent their time telling jokes, owning a home, operating businesses, raising Sarah (Alex), Blake
(Brittany), Ashley (Caleb), and Dakota, as well as welcoming four wonderful grandchildren into
this world: Kailey, Cameron, Austin, and Westyn.Russell retired from the Palm Coast Utility Corporation in June 1995. He loved football, Western movies, fishing, spending time with his family, mowing lawns, cleaning pools, and he could charm anyone with his sense of humor. In his advanced age, Russell suffered from arthritis and struggled to button his shirts. This led him to create a buttoning device he called the “Twister,”which made it easier for those with restricted mobility to get dressed. He sold and donated this
device to local doctor’s offices and clinics. To know Russell was to love him, and his family is
certain he will live on in the memories of all those who were fortunate enough to meet him.
Russell will be laid to rest with military honors at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in
Mims, Florida, on Friday, July 12, 2024 at 11 a.m. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at the Palm Coast Community
Center from 12:00-3:00 p.m. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in honor of Russell to the Stuart F. Meyer Hospice House, Palm Coast at www.AdventHealthGive.com/efHospice
Until we meet again, “See you in the movies.”
What’s your fondest memory of Russell?
What’s a lesson you learned from Russell?
Share a story where Russell's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Russell you’ll never forget.
How did Russell make you smile?
