Russell "Russ" Cenko Obituary

Russell Joseph CenkoMay 16, 1943 – October 4, 2025

Russell “Russ” Cenko, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, left us on October 4, 2025, at the age of 82. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 16, 1943, to the late Helen Godwich Cenko and Russell John Cenko.

Russ was raised in Chicago, graduating from Fenger High School in 1962. He served our country honorably in the US Air Force. He married Deborah Ann Franz Cenko and together they raised a daughter, Kaytee and a son, Michael. Russ enjoyed spending time with his family, and they played many board games together. He also enjoyed cooking and playing dominoes, however his love for golf was unmatched. You could find him on a golf course nearly every weekend. He worked as an insurance underwriter. He was a devout Christian and an Elder at 1st Presbyterian Church in Wharton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Paul “Michael” Cenko and sister, Barbara Earnest.He is survived by his wife, Deborah “Debbie” Cenko of Wharton and daughter, Catherine “Kaytee” Helene Cenko of Houston; sister Jacqueline Cenko; grandchildren, Kyler Ray Johse and Kynsley Harper Johse and nephew Thomas Earnest, along with countless brothers and sisters in Christ.

The funeral service will be at held11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Laura Olson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Presbyterian Church, Wharton or the Plaza Theatre. Condolences can be left at whartonfuneralhome.com. Services are under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home.