Russell E. Stabley, Jr., 92, died on Monday, May 4, 2026 at Dallastown Nursing Center. He was the husband of the late Doris (Tatlock) Stabley for 59 years, prior to her death on January 23, 2015.

Russell was born in Red Lion on May 5, 1933. He was preceded in death by his parents: his father, Russell E. Stabley and stepmother, Rosamond S. (Elswick) Stabley, who raised him as her own; and his mother, Helen G. (McMaster) Gipe and stepfather, Godon Gipe.

Russell was a 1950 graduate of Red Lion High School and was inducted into the Leo Club Hall of Fame in 2009. He joined the United States Air Force two days after graduation and served for 21 years, achieving the NCO rank of Senior Master Sergeant, a position limited to the top 2% of enlisted personnel. His awards included the United States of America Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with bronze oak leaf, Good Conduct Medal with four bronze conduct knots, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Combat “V” and bronze service star, Air Force Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. Following his military service, Russell worked for the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, advancing to Job Service Manager at the York County Job Center before retiring on July 16, 1993. He was a member of Red Lion American Legion Post 543, the Air Force Sergeants Association, the Air Force Association, Red Lion Lodge No. 649 F&AM, Harrisburg Consistory, Red Lion Scottish Rite Club, and was a life member of the National Rifle Association, as well as a life member, past president, secretary, and board member of the York Rifle Range Association. He enjoyed hunting, the outdoors, hiking, gardening, and caring for his lawn, and especially loved time spent at the B & B Retreat in Sullivan County; above all, Russell cherished the time with his family, they were the most important part of his life.

Russell is survived by two children, Russell D. Stabley and his companion, Sheri Yorks and Terri L. Kell and her husband, William J. Kell II; three grandchildren, Christi L. Gambler and her husband, Michael, Jennifer A. Strayer and her husband, Joseph, and Russell E. Stabley IV; seven great grandchildren, Caden Seiling, Parker J. Strayer, Hunter E. Stabley, Addyson G. Strayer, Tyler Stabley, Avery M. Stabley, and Adalynn Stabley; three siblings, Sandra Barth, Gregory Stabley and his wife, Barbara, and Barbara J. Dufner and her husband, Robert; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Stephen M. Hughes and his great granddaughter, Faith Strayer.

A viewing will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026 from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at Wagner-Elfner and Burg Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 3070 Cape Horn Road, Red Lion. A Masonic service presented by officers of the Red Lion Masonic Lodge #649 F&AM will begin at 10:45 a.m., immediately followed at 11:00 a.m. by a funeral service with Pastor Larry Parlett and Mother Sarah Ingalls-Howard officiating. Burial will be in Red Lion Cemetery with full military honors presented by the York County Veterans Honor Guard.