Dale Blanton Russell

Services for Dale B. Russell, 94, of Huntington, will be held at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, April 12, 2014 in the Gipson Funeral Home Chapel, with Dr. Mark Livingston officiating. Graveside services will follow in the Jonesville Cemetery under the auspices of the Homer Masonic Lodge #254, A.F. & A. M.

Mr. Russell was born May 22, 1919 in the Oak Flat Community outside of Huntington, the son of the late Leah (Sowell) and Eli Russell. He passed away Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at his residence.

Mr. Russell loved his family, his church, cattle, horses, and his music. He was a cattleman, farmer, rancher, and amazing gardener. He played the violin and entertained the family and played at church. He was a member of Keltys First Baptist Church.

He and his wife were special even at an older age. They stepped in and raised their granddaughter, Cynthia, from the age of 6 weeks. They did an amazing job and could never be thanked enough.

Mr. Russell served his country in the United States Air Force during World War II. He was a member of Homer Masonic Lodge #254, A.F. & A. M.

Survivors include his daughter, Loretta Kingsley of Deer Park; granddaughters, Cynthia Kaiser and husband Joe of Huntington and Melissa Airhart and husband Danny of Katy; grandson, Ryan Kingsley of Deer Park; great-grandchildren, Fawn Foster Zion and husband Scott, Emily Airhart and Cooper Airhart; great-great grandchildren, Hannah, Hunter and Hallie Zion; 2 nephews; and 1 niece.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Russell was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Jewell Forest Russell; grandson-in-law, Robert Foster; and sisters, Winnie Jackson, Lillian Graham and Mary Russell-Hawkins.

Memorial contributions in Mr. Russell’s memory may be made to Hospice in the Pines, 1504 W. Frank Avenue, Lufkin, TX 75904.

Members of the Homer Masonic Lodge #254, A.F. & A. M. will serve as pallbearers.

Honorary pallbearers will be Curtis Spivey, Dr. Nathaniel Robinson, Scott Zion, Joe Mac Welch, Wendell Matchett, David Forest, Linwood Graham, Bobby Hawkins and Mitch Walker.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday evening at Gipson Funeral Home.

Condolences may be offered at www.gipsonfuneralhome.com

Services have been placed in the trust of Gipson Funeral Home