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Russell Knudson passed away at his residence in Portales on Monday morning, October 11, 2004. Russell was born in Blanket, Texas to Russell and Thelma Knudson on May 15, 1926. He received an early graduation and diploma from Farley High School in 1945 so that he could enlist in the war effort. He was a bombardier for the US Navy Air Corps and served in the Pacific Theater. In 1947, Russell returned to the University of New Mexico where he met and married Jeanne Scott. After graduating from UNM, he served as the school principal and coach for the Farley New Mexico Schools until 1960. Russell was a coach and High School principal for the Portales School System in the mid 1960s and early 1970s. He was the Raton Public School Superintendent from 1972 - 1985. After his retirement from the Raton School System, he was admitted to and enrolled at the University of San Francisco School of Law. Health problems prevented him from the completion of his law degree. He was active in a variety of civic and community functions. He served as the Vice President of the New Mexico Activities Association. He was a Director for the University of New Mexico alumni Association. The New Mexico Senate confirmed Russell as a member of the Commission for Higher Education where he was an active supporter of Higher Education and in particular Eastern New Mexico University. At the time of his death he was a member of the New Mexico Supreme Courts Judicial Performance Evaluation Committee. Russell was a Mason and member of Lodge No 45, as well as a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars. At the local level, Russell was a member of and former chairman of the City of Portales Recreation Committee, the Roosevelt County Labor Relations Board and the ENMU Bench Club. He attended Third and Kilgore Church of Christ. Russell was well known in the community as an avid sports fan as he attended and supported all local sporting events. Russell was a member of the 1949 Maloof AAU State Basketball Championship team and played in the national tournament in Kansas City. Mr. Knudson's wife, Jeanne, passed away in 1990. On December 27, 1992 he was married to Wilma Roberts. He and his wife, Wilma, loved to travel both in the US and internationally. Russell was preceded in death by his parents, and his daughter, Julie Bankson, as well as his wife, Jeanne. He is survived by his loving wife, Wilma; a son, Roger Knudson and wife, Laura Neack of Newport, KY; a son, Randy Knudson and wife, Laura of Portales; a son-in-law, Jim Bankson and wife, Mandy of Santa Rosa, CA; step-sons, Donnie Roberts and wife, Linda of Clovis, Ron Roberts and wife, Cindy of Hobbs, and Monte Roberts of Rio Rancho, Alan Roberts and wife, Selena of Portales; eight grandchildren; and 16 step-grandchildren. Russell was well loved and will be missed. A memorial service to honor his joyous life will be held on Saturday, October 16 at 10:30 a.m. at the Third and Kilgore Church of Christ in Portales. David Bennett will officiate, assisted by Marshall Stinnett and Steve Doerr. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Friends of Eastern New Mexico University Foundation.
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