Funeral services for Russell Lee Houston, 85, of Indianola, Iowa, who passed away Saturday, October 28, 2023, will be held 6 p.m., Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at the Indianola Regular Baptist Church with visitation held 3 to 6 p.m., prior to service at the church. Graveside services with Military Honors will be held 11 a.m., Thursday, November 2, in the Iowa Veterans Cemetery, Adel.

Russell grew up in a large family, one of 12 children. In his high school years, he excelled on the football gridiron. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army where he served his country and tested his toughness in the boxing ring. Returning home from the military he found the love of his life, Sharon Kay. After some time of chasing the "Best looking girl in Warren County," they were married in 1964 and started a family. In the early years of starting their own family, there were many challenging times and setbacks. Russ worked his tail off for his family to make sure they were taken care of. He was a long-time sheet metal worker and was doing chores on the farm before sunrise and after sunset. Nothing was ever too big for Russ to overcome, especially with Sharon right by his side. In the early 80's, the Houston family moved from the farm to Indianola with 3 teenage boys. In 1986, Russ and Sharon started Westside Muffler, where they would work side by side for the next 20 years. After several back surgeries, Russ made the decision to retire from the day to day work at "The Shop." Retirement was a true blessing for Russ. He did continue to take on several projects throughout retirement, but more importantly it allowed him to be there for his family. Russ and Sharon started to travel all over the world. They enjoyed going on cruises, European, Alaskan, Caribbean, and they also enjoyed spending time in Florida and Branson. Between travels, Russ was pretty much a full time babysitter to his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. This may have been one of his favorite parts of retirement. He often spoke of how proud he was of all of them, and how they were the best looking bunch in town. So, any extra time he got to spend with them was fine by Grandpa. Throughout retirement, there was no doubt that Russ and Sharon were side by side enjoying life. Russell truly lived to serve those around him. He always put his faith and family first, and with any other time after that he would be serving others. You could always count on Russ to be serving at church, watching grandchildren's school and sporting events, or helping out a neighbor or friend. He will always be remembered as a loving, caring, hardworking Husband, Father, Brother, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, to all who knew him.

Russell is survived by his sons, Perry (Michelle) Houston, Mike Houston, David (Gina) Houston; grandchildren, Kaylee (Curtis) Houston, Sam Houston, Travis Driesen, Bryant (Rose) Houston, Aaron (Taylor) Houston, Tanner (Hannah) Houston, Nina (Tony) Nell, Jake (Aissa) Jones, Brice (Lindzey) Houston, Brook (Dan) Rice; 13 great-grandchildren; siblings, Mary (Dean) Lowe, John (Daisy) Houston, Daisy Hakes, Elsie (Allen) Bell, Emma Weston, Linda (Everett) Russell; sister-in-law, Joann Houston; many nieces, nephews and other family and friends. He is preceded in death by the love of his life, Sharon; parents, John and Evelyn Houston; siblings, Nonnie Houston, Kathy Wright, Ethel Potter, Naomi Houston, Oliver Houston; siblings-in-law, Denny Hakes, Jerry Wright, Shirley Houston and Johnny Weston.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Russell to the Indianola Regular Baptist Church.