KILMARNOCK—Duane Andrew Russell, 66, of Kilmarnock died on June 28, 2026. He was born on September 22, 1959, in Torrance, California, the son of the late J. Paul Russell and the late Myrna Sue Weaver.
He relocated from California to Kilmarnock in 2017 and became an active member of the community. He was an entrepreneur and contractor, restaurateur as well as a multi-talented businessman. He enjoyed being in the great outdoors, an avid fisherman and hunter. He loved cooking and being a Mason.
Duane was also very active in the Rotary Club and the Moose Lodge. He was a long-time mason, raised to Master Mason on June 11, 2011, in Yuma, Arizona, Lodge #17, a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and a member of the Royal Arch. On his relocation to Kilmarnock, he joined Lancaster Lodge #88 on May 2, 2017. He served as the Master of Lancaster Union Lodge #88 in 2025 until his cancer diagnosis of a glioblastoma (brain tumor) in October 2024.
Duane is survived by his life partner, Donna Grimes; his daughter, Treasure Russell of California; daughter, Mercedes Brown and son, Cory Russell of Oregon; stepson and daughter, Dominic and Sandra Grimes; and five grandchildren in California; sister, Teri Russell Kielow of Washington; stepmom, Nakita Bryan of Missouri; his right-hand man, Elijah Benson; aunt, Michelle Cameron of Arkansas; and many nieces, nephews and cousins whom he dearly loved.
He was a mentor to many young men both in California and locally in Kilmarnock. He always felt obligated to share his knowledge with anyone who wanted to know the skills and wisdom he had acquired through his life lessons over the years and especially with our younger men. He has left his undeniable mark on those he encountered on his life journey. He believed that it would be selfish on his part if he didn’t give back what God had given him and being a Mason aided in fulfilling that goal. His excitement in giving back and love of life was truly infectious. Everyone was a friend, a buddy, he was loved.
Duane’s memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. August 15, followed by a light repass at noon at the Masonic Lodge #88, 48 North Main Street, Kilmarnock. Then come over to Donna’s on Main to share more memories of an extraordinary man.
Currie Funeral Home LLC of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.
