Russell Kern Hackman
Russell Kern Hackman, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, veteran, and teacher, went to his Heavenly reward on June 7th, 2024, at Sunnybrook Estates in Madison.
A lifelong servant as both a member of the United States Army and a teacher, Russell touched the lives of many along the way. Russell was born in Lancaster, PA, the son of Stanley Heaney Hackman and Joy Sands Hackman.
He attended Millsaps College. After being drafted, he was stationed in Germany, due to his command of the German language. In the military, Russell served in the 7th Army Infantry Battalion in Germany and was a soloist in the Seventh Army Soldier’s Chorus, winners of the 1965 International Choral Festival in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands.
Following his service in the Army, he returned to Mississippi to complete his bachelor’s degree and became a teacher.
During his teaching years, he was also active in numerous arts organizations, primarily as an opera singer with the Gulf Coast Opera Guild and an actor in Biloxi Little Theatre productions. He also served as a board member for the Biloxi Community Concert Association and was a member of the Masons.
After retiring from his career in teaching throughout Mississippi with posts in Jackson, Beulah Hubbard, Biloxi, and Gulfport, Russell and Shirley moved to Madison.
Russell was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 48 years (Shirley), and his sister, Gwendolyn Ann Hackman.
He is survived by his sons, Ken Hackman (Ruth), and David Hackman, of Madison, MS. Grandchildren are Mandy Hackman and Allyn Hackman, both of Madison, MS, Erica Avila (Madaly), of San Antonio, TX, Joshua Hackman (Ellie) of Waynesboro, VA, and Joseph Hackman, of Roanoke, VA. Great-grandchildren are Jackie, Walter, and Thomas Hackman of Waynesboro, VA.
A funeral service was held on June 14, 2024 at Natchez Trace Funeral Home. Graveside burial services were held on June 15, 2024 at the Gulfhaven Mennonite Church in Gulfport. Memorials may be made to Pine Lake Fellowship Camp, 10371 Pine Lake Rd., Meridian, MS, 39307.