OBITUARY
John L Russell
14 January, 1946 – 18 November, 2020
John Lawrence Russell was born in Austin, Texas on January 14, 1946 to Francis Russell and Jewel Tumey Russell. John was the youngest of three sons and grew up on Avenue D in Hyde Park. As a young boy John loved to explore the city and frequented Zilker Park and Barton Springs. He played many sports and went on to letter in football and baseball at McCallum High School. He received a scholarship to play football at Blinn College, where he met the love of his life, Linda. After enlisting in the US Army, he and Linda were married on May 17, 1967. John was stationed in Fort Knox, Kentucky before honorably serving in the Vietnam War. He received the following commendations: Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Expert Badge (Rifle). John and Linda returned to Austin and had four daughters, Kristi, Lori, Dusti, and Tami. In 1969, John joined the Austin Police Department. In his 30 years of service he worked as a patrolman, detective, and senior sergeant. John, Johnny Pete, made many wonderful friends in the department and humbly served his beloved city until he retired in 1995. John later worked as a security usher at the University of Texas and Frank Erwin Center.
John had a servant’s heart and blessed many with his giving spirit and sweet disposition. He served his family, friends, community and country selflessly. John had a witty sense of humor and a huge heart. He loved the Lord with his whole heart and had a deep personal relationship with his savior. John and Linda cherished their church family at Bethany United Methodist Church.
For fun John loved to spend time at the coast fishing, camping and dancing under the stars at Garner State Park, attending UT football and baseball games, playing games, and hanging out with his many friends and family. Cheering on and encouraging his grandchildren brought him the most joy. Padad proudly frequented his grandchild’s activities and lovingly supported with cheers, a warm smile and huge congratulatory hug.
Friends and family were all blessed by his warmth and kindness. To know him is to love him and he will forever live in our hearts. We are fueled and encouraged by John’s favorite verse, which gives us hope and reminds us of God’s promise: “For I know the plans I have for you.” Declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
John is preceded in death by his father Francis Russell, mother Jewel Tumey Russell Davidson, brother Charles Russell, brother Tommy Russell, stepfather Herschel Davidson, father-in-law Gerald Robertson, and niece Donna Mitchell. He leaves his precious wife of 53 years, Linda Russell, mother-in-law Myra Robertson, sister-in-law Yvonne Russell, daughter and spouse Kristi and Michael Walsingham, daughter and spouse Lori and Jason Traynham, daughter and spouse Dusti and Mike Herman, daughter and spouse Tami and Scott Walton, grandchildren Kyli, Keylan, and Kasyn Herman, Macy Traynham, Luke and Reid Walton, and furbaby Pearl Jean. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to John’s favorite event: Austin Police Operation Blue Santa at bluesanta.org
Services
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Funeral Service
Wednesday, 25 November , 2020
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Graveside Service
Wednesday, 25 November , 2020
Memories
John L Russell
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYKaren Chandler
November 24, 2020
What a ray of sunshine John was!
We were typically in seperate areas down at the drum, but he had a bright smile & greeting everytime I ever laid eyes on him. My condolences to all friends, family & loved ones. May you all find peace & comfort in knowing he worked his whole life to graduate to the other side. He's done so unapologetically & he shall certainly hear "job well done".
Rest Peacefully Sir
Mary Torres
November 24, 2020
I work with John at the Erwin Center. He was a wonderful friend with a smile, and was friendly to everyone. He will be missed!!
Patsi-Joe Walton
November 23, 2020
We did not know "Padad" that well, but we knew he was a good man! Our son married his 4th daughter, Tami. She is a wonderful daughter-in-law and a really hard worker in all she accomplishes.
Joe and Patsi Walton
Florene (Hubenthal) Rubel
November 23, 2020
Sorry to hear Johnnie, as I knew him, has gone to our Heavenly Father. We went to school together. He was a great person to know. He will be greatly missed.
Phil and Marsha Koepp
November 22, 2020
Our condolences go out to Linda and the Russell family. John will be missed. We remember his warm smile, sense of humor and laughter. At the Erwin Center, John could always be counted on to break the tension of busy events. I quickly learned that John always "had my back". And, he wasn't beyond an occasional harmless and humorous practical joke. Rest in peace my friend.
marvin james
November 22, 2020
i am so sad to hear of the loss of a good friend, school mate at baker jr high and Mc callum, and hyde park kids, we have kept in touch since high school days, my prayers are with the family, God Bless you buddy may you RIP
Mary Margaret Bradbury
November 22, 2020
Linda and family, my thoughts, my prayers and my heart are all with you at this time.
Johnny was more than a cousin to me, he was my best friend growing up. I shall always treasure our times together.
There is a Irish saying:
“Death brings a heartache that no one can heal, but love leaves a memory that no one can steal.”
My love to all.
Love,
Mary Marg
Casa Grande, Arizona
Larry Cowles
November 22, 2020
We were the same age and had lots of the same experiences. I really enjoyed being around him! What a great guy! He will be missed! Larry Cowles
Betty Allen
November 22, 2020
Linda, I pray thatGod will bless and strengthen you. I’m reminded of your 50th wedding anniversary when you mimed “My Guy” to Johnny. The look of happiness and pride on his face was so tender and sweet!
You shared so many good years with him and your family. He was a good man, father, grandfather, son, father in-law ,husband and friend to all. Dwell on the good times as often as you can.
His pain has ended. Rejoice in the knowledge that you will meet again.
Dennis Finke
November 21, 2020
I was blessed to have John as a dear friend for many years. He always had a smile, and something uplifting to say. He could tell a great joke, and was someone you could count on. I remember the "ride along" when he was an officer with the APD, and some fun trips to the coast.
May God grant peace and comfort to his family and friends in this time of sorrow.....
Rest easy John, until we meet again
Linda Borden
November 21, 2020
John worked with my ex-husband David at APD. Then I ran into John at the Tavern in RR playing the machines. He always had a smile on his face. Rest in peace John. Say hello to David and Rusty for us.
Donna Harrell
November 21, 2020
John was an amazing man. He always had a smile, a joke or a kind word, if you needed it. He could light up a room, or shut it down, depending on the room! His kind , gentle spirit will be missed in this world. I am glad that I got a chance to know him, so many years ago, and that I was able to help when he needed it. His passing leaves a big hole in our hearts
Debbie Maze
November 21, 2020
John was a very very dear friend. We had lots of laughs over the years. He was very special to me. He WILL BE MISSED.
My condolences to the entire family.
Don Mayes
November 21, 2020
He was a good man. Prayers and my condolences.
Nancy Tumey Wilkes
November 21, 2020
My cousin was a great person. Loved him so much So glad he and Linda came to Houston few years ago and we met and ate our favorite food "Mexican" ! Enjoyed our visit so much. We laughed and talked for couple hours. We were suppose to meet again soon but never did sorry to say. Go see your love ones before they are gone and hug and kiss them. Love you Johnny💟 Your cousin Nancy Jo.
Dee Castillo
November 21, 2020
I worked with John at APD and worked with him again at the Erwin Center. My husband Willie got to know him really well at the Erwin Center. He was a kind, thoughtful, jolly kind of man. He always made you laugh and he continued being my FB friend after I left Erwin and after leaving APD as well. He will be missed, Rest In Peace John, your job here is done, now you get to continue in heaven. Our condolences to the Russell family.
Willie and Dee Castillo
John Quinones
November 21, 2020
I always enjoyed working with John at the Erwin Center. I also would bump into him working Early Voting in the Capitol Complex. I always liked his cultured attitude and laid back outlook on life. I'm glad that I got to know him.
Condolences from the Quinones Family
Yolanda Akeman
November 21, 2020
I worked with John at the Erwin center. He always had a smile and a joke to make everyone laugh. He was a sweet jolly giant man who will be missed greatly. My deepest condolences to the Russell family and may John Rest In Peace.
Lorraine Archer
November 21, 2020
John was a Wonderful person. We met and worked together at the Erwin Center years ago. He had great stories to tell. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.
Helen Finke
November 21, 2020
Your sweet smile and great humor will be missed by all of us. We had some great fun playing the machines and when Dad was alive going to the coast. RIP sweet friend.
Helen Joseph
November 21, 2020
We always had fun playing the machines and visiting. You will be missed and in my heart.
Joann Barber
November 21, 2020
I worked with John for several years at the Erwin Center. He could always make you laugh no matter how stressful things got. We will all miss him.
Diana Leaver
November 21, 2020
I worked with John years ago at the Erwin Center. I always loved when I got paired at the same location as him at an event. It meant I was going to have a fun time and be entertained because he always told great jokes. He had an infectious smile and was just extremely nice. I’ll always remember him fondly!
Sonja Riley
November 21, 2020
I worked with John at the Erwin Center for many yrs. He had a kind soul and had many laughs and conversations during events when we worked together. He will be miss and my family and I send our condolences to you all. Our prayers will be you all during this time.