Bruce Neal Phelps, 90, of Russell Springs, died Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Jewel Place Senior Living in Madison, Indiana. 
Born on February 1, 1936, in Russell County, he was 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.
Bruce is survived by his daughter, April Renee Frieske (and John Hall), of Sarasota, Florida; granddaughter, Julette Danae Frieske, of Sarasota, Florida; 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; great-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; and a host of great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews, and 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 services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Monday, October 19, 2026, at Bernard Funeral Home in Russell Springs, with his daughter, April Frieske, his niece, Lateshia Johnson, good friend, Brooks Bates, and Brother Carroll Egnew, officiating. Burial will follow in Russell Springs City Cemetery with full military honors by the Russell County Honor Guard.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 A.M. until the time of services 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.