Russell "Russ" Estes Jr.

Russell Lee Estes, Jr., 78, passed away on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, in Topeka, Kansas. Russ was born on February 16, 1947, to Russell Lee Estes, Sr. and Clara Mary Kamen Estes in Tecumseh, Nebraska. Russ graduated from Circleville High School in 1965. Not long after high school, he joined the Army National Guard and then was drafted into the Vietnam War. For his service in Vietnam, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, accomplishments for which he was deeply honored his entire life. He was a proud soldier for the remainder of his life, doing anything and everything to honor veterans. Russ was a two-time recipient of the purple heart, and he volunteered as a member of the honor guard at military funerals. He worked at the Veterans' Administration as an Administrative Assistant. He was the Commander of the VFW Philip Billard Post #1650 from 2004-2005. He also carried the Olympic torch as it came through Topeka before the 1996 summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. Russ welcomed his son, Shane, into this world on April 16, 1972. He married Doris Ann Flax on June 22, 1983, to this union, a blended family was created including Andrea and Chris. Russ enjoyed hunting, fishing, cowboy shooting, gambling at the casinos, being around his family, any conversation about ammo or guns, and loving on his dogs. He may not have been the best dog trainer, but he was an avid dog lover. Russ is survived by his wife, Doris; his son, Shane; three grandchildren, Colby Estes, Bailey Evans (Preston), Wyatt Estes; two great-grandchildren, Lincoln Estes and Paisley Evans; stepchildren, Andrea Hillebert (Shawn), Chris Limbird (Bonnie); five step-grandchildren; and two sisters, Rosie Oberst and Linda Estes. Russ was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Clara Estes, and his brother, Ronnie Estes. Graveside service with military honors will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Mount Calvary Cemetery, 801 SW Westchester Road, Topeka KS 66606. Memorial contributions may be made to Mater Dei Catholic School or VFW Phillip Billard Post 1650, sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Condolences may be sent online at www.kevinbrennanfamily.com