Bruce Neal Phelps,90, of Russell Springs, KY passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at Jewel Place Senior Living in Madison, Indiana. He was born on February 1, 1936 in Russell County, the son of the late Huron “Cosby” and Lillian Edmonds Phelps.
Bruce served in the U.S. Army from July 1959 to July 1961. He enjoyed a career of more than 30 years as a high school teacher and school social worker, where he took pride in providing support and loving guidance to youth in need.
Bruce was a gentle, calm, caring, and loving man with a wonderful sense of humor who loved his family and friends unconditionally. He was proud to be born and raised in Russell County and dedicated his life to it. A man of deep and gentle faith, he attended Russell Springs Christian Church and previously Russell Springs United Methodist Church.
SURVIVORS:
1 daughter: April Renee Frieske (and John Hall) of Sarasota, Florida
1 granddaughter: Julette Danae Frieske of Sarasota, Florida
1 sister: Darlene Stephens of Russell Springs
Nephew: Sheldon (and Tamara) Stephens of Russell Springs
Niece: Lateshia (and Mark) Johnson of Campbellsville
Great-nephew: Garrett (and Rachel) Stephens of Russell Springs
Ggreat-nieces: Chandra (and Nick) Barnes of Russell Springs; Lauren Johnson of Champaign, Illinois; and Meredith Johnson (and Marcus Sirianno) of Birmingham, Alabama
Former wife, dear friend, and mother of his daughter: Linda Stephens Evans
A host of great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews & friends
In addition to his parents, Bruce was preceded in death by his grandson, Hagen Carter Frieske; his sister, Dianne Phelps; and good family friend, Bill Evans.
Funeral Service: Monday, October 19, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. at Bernard Funeral Home in Russell Springs with his daughter, April Frieske, his niece, Lateshia Johnson, good friend, Brooks Bates, and Bro. Carroll Egnew officiating
Burial: Russell Springs City Cemetery with full military honors by the Russell County Honor Guard
Visitation: After 11:00 A.M. on Monday, at the funeral home
In lieu of flowers, the Phelps family requests that donations of sympathy be made to Kevin’s Kids, P.O. Box 1477, Russell Springs, Kentucky 42642. Kevin’s Kids provides coats, shoes, clothing, eyeglasses, dental work, and personal care items to Russell County children in need. It is a fitting tribute for Bruce, who devoted his career to supporting youth in need. Donations can also be left at the funeral home.
Arrangements are entrusted to Bernard Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at www.bernardfuneralhome.com.
