Floyd Russell (Russ) Masters, lifelong North Platte resident and newspaperman succumbed to cancer Wednesday afternoon, September 26, 2012, at his home. He was 80 years old.
Russ was born on October 8, 1931 in North Platte, NE to Chester and Mabel Masters. After attending North Platte schools he graduated from NPHS in 1949. He served in Germany for the U.S. Army from 1952-54 and returned to his job at the North Platte Telegraph Bulletin. Russ was the Sports Editor and later the Circulation Manager until 1978.
Russ coached numerous boys’ basketball and baseball teams. Boys and girls of all ages in North Platte remember Russ as a mentor from their days on his teams or as newspaper deliverers for the Telegraph. He was responsible for hundreds of boys and girls establishing their first checking accounts, and was also instrumental in the establishment of tee-ball in North Platte.
Russ married Norma Jean Lewandowski on July 10, 1952. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year. They owned Sutherland Courier-Times from 1978 until 1995. Russ was the Publisher, Editor, Photographer and Janitor.
Russ was a member of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church, serving many roles including Chairman of the first Holy Spirit Church Council. He was the Exalted Ruler of the North Platte Elks Lodge during the 70’s. He was also a member of the American Legion and Knights of Columbus and past president of the Sutherland Chamber of Commerce.
Loving survivors include his wife Norma Jean; two sons Jerry (Amy) of Parker, CO, Mark (Kathy) of Waukee, IA; one daughter Jeanne Masters of Carrollton, TX; a brother Evert (Elisabeth); six grandchildren Jeff Masters, Emily Masters, Joey Masters, Amber (Chris) Zimmerman, Alysia Masters and Abby Masters; and one great-grandson Cameron Zimmerman.
He is preceded in death by his parents; two step-fathers; daughter Susan; son Timothy; and his sister Betty Uebel.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Holy Spirit Catholic Church Building Fund or St. Patrick’s Catholic Schools Endowment. Christian Wake service will be Friday at 6:00 p.m. at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday Sept. 29, 2012 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with the Reverend James Novakowski officiating. Burial will follow at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.