Gene Russell

Gene Wallace Russell, 90, went to be with his Lord on Nov. 7, 2020. Born on June 24th, 1930, in Morris, OK, he was the youngest of 4 children born to Lydia and David Russell. He graduated from Capitol Hill High School in 1948. He married Virginia Helen Harvill on December 27, 1952. They enjoyed 63 wonderful years together until she went to be with the Lord in 2015.

Gene worked for Oklahoma Natural Gas Company for 38 years. His dedication and natural leadership skills took him from ditch digger all the way to Customer Service/Operations Superintendent. Gene retired from ONG in 1986.

More important than his job, Gene’s strong faith guided his daily life. His servant heart and gracious spirit reflected the convictions and beliefs that he held dear. His daily life consistently reflected love, gentleness, and an attitude that placed the needs of others before his own. Over the years, and in 2 different Free Will Baptist churches, Gene served in various capacities such as leader of the prayer ministry, Sunday School Superintendent, and Deacon. In short, he loved his Lord and loved others unconditionally.

Those who knew Gene well, often witnessed his quick wit and sense of humor, and may have even had the pleasure of falling victim to some of the humorous pranks for which he was well known. The ornery grin on his face was often the tell-tale sign of both his guilt and joy!

Gene was an amazing husband… a faithful and true romantic at heart. As a father, he set an example that others can aspire to. As a grandfather and great grandfather (Pappy) he loved and spoiled with enthusiasm!

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, 3 sisters, and the love of his life, his wife Helen. He is survived by his daughter Ginna Sterling (James), his son Bob (Lien), and his grandchildren Josh Sterling (Angie), Holly Muck (Jarrod), Ryan Russell (Susan), Kayla Nicholson (Joe). He also is survived by 5 great grandchildren: Atley, Ellie, and Riley Muck and Sophie and Izzy Nicholson.

Visitation will be held Friday, Nov. 13, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Bill Eisenhour Funeral Home in Del City. Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM on Saturday, Nov. 14, at Sunnylane Family Church in Del City. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park in Norman, OK.

In light of Covid-19, those who choose to attend the service live are respectfully requested to wear a mask and honor distancing guidelines while inside the church. For those who cannot attend the memorial service live, but would like to view it remotely, the service can be streamed from the Facebook page for Sunnylane Family Church.