L.J. Russell Obituary (1926

Texhoma, Oklahoma - L.J. Russell, 87, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at the family home. L.J. Russell was born July 15, 1926 , near Andice, Texas, located northwest of Austin in the Texas Hill Country. He was the only son born to Neva (Windsor) and Lemuel Jackson Russell and had two older sisters and two younger sisters. L.J. accepted the Lord, as his personal Savior, while he was still a young teenager. He was baptized in the creek that flowed through the family property, and was active in the Andice First Baptist Church for many years. After graduating from Florence High School in 1943, L.J. entered the U.S. Navy and served honorably as a Machinist Mate 1st Class, in the South Pacific. His ship, the USS Pine Island (AV-12), which was a seaplane tender, which took him around the world. After the Navy, he attended trade school on the GI Bill, while farming and ranching with his father. L.J. remembered a sweet little girl he knew from his second grade class, that was now a hometown grade school teacher. He and Margaret Joyce McCormick were married June 26, 1948, at the First Christian Church, Mahomet, Texas. L.J. continued farming and Margaret continued teaching. Their first son, Charles David was born in 1955. Always looking for farming possibilities, L.J. had the opportunity to rent irrigated land near Olton, Texas. The Russells moved to Olton, where he learned how to raise crops under irrigation. The family was always active in the First Baptist Church in Olton. In August, 1960, their second son, Lemuel James was born. In 1965, L.J. and Margaret purchased land and moved their home northwest of Texhoma. Always an innovative famer, he brought his knowledge of irrigation to the area. L.J. was a man of integrity and raised and guided his family to have respect for God and country. He appreciated his employees and treated them fairly and as if they were part of his family. The couple enjoyed seeing their sons graduate from Texhoma High School and Panhandle State University, Goodwell. The Russells were blessed with two wonderful daughters-in-law and four precious grandchildren. L.J. was able to spend his entire life farming and ranching and doing what he loved. Through the years, he built many friendships with neighbors and businesses. He leaves a rich legacy, and was respected as a man of integrity, who always kept his word. Throughout their years, L.J. and Margaret were able to travel, enjoying sites across the North American continent, from Alaska to the Panama Canal. Always a faithful member of First Baptist Church, Texhoma, L.J. served the church in many ways and enjoyed his Prestige Men's Sunday School Class. Survivors include his sweetheart and wife of 65 years, Margaret Russell; sons, Charles Russell and wife, Susan, of Texhoma; Lem Russell and wife, Cindy, of Stratford, Texas; four grandchildren, Kasey Elizabeth Russell, Guymon, Oklahoma; Rustin James Patterson Russell and his fiancAC., Marie Hellenbrand, of Memphis, Tennessee; Sarah Suzanne Russell of Texhoma; and Sunny Caprice Russell, student at UNL, Lincoln, Nebraska. He is also survived by three sisters, Doris Sealey of Burnet, Texas; Albena Proctor of Jarrell, Texas; Beckie and husband, Roland Moore of Kingsland, Texas; sister-in-law, Joyce McCormick of San Antonio, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews. The Russell family so appreciates the care and love given by Kathy Lewis, Gerri Smith, Britney Madrid, Kara Glover, Jerri Lou Green, Susie Wall, Cheree Turley and Holly Cooper. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Martha Lee Mihlberger, and a granddaughter, Lacy Russell. The Russell family will receive friends for viewing and visitation on Tuesday evening, 6-8:00 PM at the Texhoma First Baptist Church. Graveside services will be Wednesday morning, February 26th, 10:30 AM, at the Texhoma Cemetery. Memorial services with Naval funeral honors will be Wednesday afternoon, 2:00 PM at Texhoma First Baptist Church, with Rev. Tommy Hull and Rev. David Moore, officiating. Memorials may be given to the First Baptist Church, Texhoma Volunteer Fire Department or the Texhoma Volunteer Ambulance, c/o Henson-Novak Funeral Directors, P.O. Box 1306, Guymon, 73942.