He was born on June 5, 1952, in Evanston, Illinois, to James Jerome McGrath (“Jim”) and Anne Whitney (Woodman) Russell. While residing in Ramona, California, he persevered to become a licensed Professional Land Surveyor. He worked for the California Department of Transportation for 20 years, retiring when his sight failed. He and his wife then moved with their daughter’s family, first to New Mexico and later to West Virginia, settling in Pecks Mill before relocating to Chesapeake for health reasons.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his aunt, Florence Weber (Woodman); his uncle, Andrew Woodman; and his cousin, Dean Woodman.

Ken is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Judith McGrath of Chesapeake, West Virginia; his daughter, Elizabeth Innuso of Chesapeake; and his grandchildren, Gwendolyn Dagger of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Samuel Innuso of Chapmanville, West Virginia; Sage, Maximillian, Giacomo, Benjamin, and Marceline, all at home; as well as many beloved cousins.

Ken could truly be described as a polymath. In his early years, he conducted science experiments in his grandparents’ basement. During that time, his father taught him the proper handling of rifles, laying the foundation for Ken’s exceptional marksmanship later in life. His curiosity led him to attend the World’s Fair as a young man, and throughout his life he could often be found in coffee shops, rare bookstores, or volunteering in his community.

A lifelong seeker of truth, Ken devoted much of his life to exploring faith and spirituality. He was baptized in the Episcopal Church, studied for many years with the Lemurian Fellowship of Ramona, California, while maintaining his membership in Aztlan Masonic Lodge of Prescott, Arizona, and ultimately turned toward the Catholic faith before his passing.

Ken was also the author of two books, The Secret Space in the White House and The Sacred Geometry of the Dollar. He was an avid chess player and an accomplished Go player, achieving the rank of 10 Dan.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Charleston, West Virginia. Father Prakash Kerketta will be the celebrant. Kenneth will be entombed at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum in Charleston.

Visitation will begin one hour prior to the Mass at the basilica.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Charleston, West Virginia, in honor of the kindness, prayers, and spiritual support shown to Kenneth and his family during his final days.

Memorial donations may be mailed to: Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1114 Virginia Street East, Charleston, WV  25301.