Russell was born in Knoxville, Iowa, and had lived in Boone for several years. He owned and operated his own vending machine business serving accounts in Indianola, Des Moines and the Boone areas.

He is survived by his children, Cindy (Steve) Henegar of Leander, Pam (Hubert) Gardner of Boyds, MD, Timothy (Maida) Pitt, Scott Pitt, and Bill (Brenda) Pitt of Des Moines, and Lori (Will) Falls of Cookville, TX; 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held 11:00 – 2:00 p.m. service time, on Wednesday, April 6 at Overton Funeral Home where family will be present to greet friends. Memorials may be given to the family in his name.