ROBERT "BOB" "BULL DURHAM" TRUSSELL

ROBERT "BOB" "BULL DURHAM" L. TRUSSELL Robert "Bob" Lee Trussell, age 81, of Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, died Monday, April 18, 2011, at his home in Cottonwood Falls. A celebration of his life will be held Friday, April 22, 2011, at 11:00 A.M., at the Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home. Pastor Rick Smith will officiate at the service. Military honors will be presented by a McConnell Air Force Base honor guard unit. He will be cremated following the service. Inurnment will be at a later date. The son of Gilbert and Mabel Payne Trussell, Robert Lee was born in Strong City, Kansas, on November 6, 1929. He attended and graduated from Strong City High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force from August 13, 1954, until March 9, 1959, and re-enlisted March 10, 1959. He retired October 1, 1967, (20 years, 0 months, 27 days) with the rank of Staff Sergeant. He and Donna Hensley were married April 24, 1959, in Cottonwood Falls. She preceded him in death January 18, 1998. Following retirement from the Air Force, he drove a milk truck for Fairmont Dairy in Council Grove, Kansas. He was a radio operator and was known as "Bull Durham." He enjoyed fishing, playing poker, playing with the grandkids, trips to Arizona, and having coffee with retired drivers. He is survived by one son: Steven Trussell of Emporia, KS.; four daughters: Donna Stiles of Fort Mohave, AZ., Sandra Turner of Yates KS., Robin Coffman of Atkins, AR., and Kim Trussell of Kirby, KS.; two brothers: Harold Trussell of Cottonwood Falls, KS. and Gilbert Trussell of Newton, KS.; 11 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and six step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sisters: Thelma Petersen and Hope Bullock. The family will meet friends Thursday, from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Friends may call Thursday, 9:00 A.M. until 8:00 P.M. and Friday, 9:00 until service time. Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, to Hand in Hand Hospice may be sent in care of the funeral home, 201 Cherry, Cottonwood Falls, KS. 66845. Messages to the family may be left at www.brown-bennett-alexander.com.

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