Russell graduated from the Blain-Union High School in Perry County and served in the US Navy during WWII. Buck retired from the former P. R. Hoffman Co., Carlisle after 28 years of service and was a former taxi cab driver in Carlisle. He was a member of Wesleyan Church of The Cross, Carlisle. Buck enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid hunter.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 62 years, Mary M. (Bowermaster) Kennedy, four sons; William (and his wife, Jackie) Kennedy of Carlisle, Larry (and his wife, Patricia) Kennedy of Carlisle, Wesley Bowermaster of Carlisle and Michael (and his wife, Paula) Kennedy of Lewistown, one sister, Nina Gamble of Dry Run, 9 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 15, 2012, at 1:30 p.m. in the Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, 630 S. Hanover St., Carlisle, with Rev. Daniel R. Mikesell officiating. Burial will be in Westminster Memorial Gardens, Carlisle. A viewing will be held on Wednesday from 12:30 p.m. until time of the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Wesleyan Church of The Cross, 430 "B" St., Carlisle, PA 17013.