Russell Clarence Munson Jr. was born in Las Vegas Nevada June 11, 1941. He went by the nickname of Buddy or Russ. He passed on March 2, 2021 surrounded by many of his family.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, Russell C. Munson Sr. and Margaret Powers Munson, brother Jon Munson, brother-in-law Ronald Wright, son Raymond Jon Munson, and son-in-law Jon Berry.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Kathryn Thorgramson Munson and his children:
Rayshell Berry, and daughters Lonna Berry & children: Sonya Goggin; Jonaya & Ruben Hernandez Jr. and Evalise Beatty. Jasmine Berry & daughter Hermione Hatzi (Las Vegas).
Step-daughter Samantha (Scott) Swick (Tupelo); & children Cheyenne (DJ) Hammock, children: Lane Hess & Trinity Swick (MS). Draven (Jordan) Swick, a Marine currently stationed in CA.
Daughter Kelly (Jeff) Dimick & children, Kristina Hartnett, & children: Jaydyn Hartnett; Peyton & Dominic Kapphan; and Michael Swilling, (Billings). Kelsie Hartnett & daughter Lacee Stewart, (Helena).
Daughter DawnRey Munson Downey (Missoula) & children Xaiver & Brittany Downey (VA).
Son, Russell C. (Fernetta) Munson III (TN) children, Lauren & Asa Munson (TN). Stepson Randall (Morgan) Holland (AR) and son Mason.
Step-daughter, Kari Edwards Elmore (Helena).
Siblings Cheryl Wright (UT), Gerald (Sandra) Munson (UT). He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Russ left Vegas and was headed for Alaska, but didn’t make it due to a car breakdown. He and Kathy took a cruise to Alaska in 2005 and he was happy to finally make that trip and enjoyed it greatly.
Russ worked for Helena Sand & Gravel driving a cement truck and made many friends there over the years. He also worked for the State of Montana as an accountant for Dept of Revenue, Public Health & Human Services and Transportation, where his nickname, due to many others named Russ, was Slippers. He retired from the State in 2015.
He was an avid hunter, furnishing many elk, deer, and antelope to help feed his family. He loved softball and coached and played for many years. He enjoyed bowling, darts, and pool until he broke his shoulder and could no longer participate. In his younger years he played football, and rodeoed with brother Jon and was a lifelong fan of both.
He spent 5 years living and working in Phoenix and Flagstaff Arizona, and came home to Montana to see his son graduate from high school. He went to work at Pegasus Gold Mine and when the mine closed he went back to work at the State.
He was a member of the Moose Lodge for many years. When the Vegas Golden Knights Hockey team was formed, he became a die-hard fan, seldom missing a game. In 2019 he was able to attend a game with family Mishon, Doug and Levi Randall, Kathy and Kari. Every time the team won, he would wear his VGK hat all the next day.
Memorials, in lieu of flowers may be made to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society, where many beloved fur-babies were adopted or to the charitable foundation of the Vegas Golden Knights Hockey Team.
He will be greatly missed by his family, many friends and co-workers.
Rest in Peace and with no more pain.
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday March 12, 2021
Anderson Stevenson WIlke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday March 15, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Sandi Benson says
Kathy:
So sorry to read this news. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers. “God Bless”
Rhonda Simmons says
Kathy,
Sorry to hear about Russ. He always seemed like such a jolly gentleman. My heart goes out to you.
Joe Weber says
Kathy,
Sorry for your loss. I liked Russ and enjoyed working with him.
Joe Weber
Justin Greve says
I always got a kick out of Russ and his many stories, he shared when we worked together. Sorry for your loss.
Justin Greve
Richard Schneehagen says
May Buddy rest in peace with his beloved father in heaven. For in dying we are born into eternal life. Buddy and I were friends a few years ago in Las Vegas. I knew him thru the Rodeo world. I will keep him and his family in my prays. God bless you all.
Connie Brooks says
Dear Kathy and Kari,
Thinking of you Both forever and always.
We wonder why God has taken Russ, and then remember he is again doing all the things he loves again with no more pain. Like being the first one to always spot the moose and wildlife, and getting a kick out of it!
We will miss you, Russ.
Connie & Jim Brooks