Dwane Russell was born on a farm near Cason, Texas on March 9, 1927. He passed away January 15, 2018, in Nacogdoches. He was the youngest of five children. His parents were Bernice E. Russell and Lillian Ann Bicknell Russell.
Shortly after graduating from Daingerfield High School in 1944, Dwane joined the U.S. Navy where he received training as a Radar Operator. His first assignment was aboard a troopship, the SS Peter J. McGuire. He later served aboard the USS Providence, a light cruiser. In 1946 he volunteered for Submarine Service. After completing Submarine School and Submarine Electronic School, he completed his naval service aboard the USS Chivo, SS-341.
Dwane received a bachelor's Degree from Southern Methodist University in 1951 and a Master's Degree in 1952. He received his Doctorate of Education from North Texas State University in 1963. He began teaching in the Dallas Public Schools in 1951. He later served as a teacher and principal in Grand Prairie, as a principal in Midland, as Curriculum Director in Garland and as Curriculum Director in Port Arthur.
Dwane and Sammie Elizabeth Williams were married in Dallas on June 6, 1951. They were the parents of two children, Ken and Kathy.
Dwane came to Stephen F. Austin State University in 1966 to head a cooperative endeavor involving SFASU and area schools districts. In 1969 he was appointed Director of the newly created Division of Continuing Education. He served in this capacity until his retirement from SFASU in 1982. Dwane and Sammie were active members of the Open Door Class at First United Methodist Church where they made lifelong friendships. In Dwane's recent years living at the Arbor, many dear friends from the Open Door Class continued to visit him and offer fellowship.
Following his retirement Dwane joined his wife, Sammie in her jewelry and antique business in downtown Nacogdoches, The Squash Blossom. He completed courses in jewelry repair and stone setting and followed this trade until they sold the business in 1991.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sammie; and four siblings. Survivors include his children: son, Ken Russell and wife Cheryl and their son Logan; daughter, Kathy Jahns and husband Joseph.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, January 20, 2018, at Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel with Rev. John Bingham officiating. Private interment will be in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends just prior to the service from 1:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers memorials maybe made to Love INC., 917 Ruby St, Nacogdoches, Texas 75961.
Online condolences may be left at www.CasonMonk-Metcalf.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, Nacogdoches.
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