Melvyn Joe Russell

Melvyn, who was known by all as “Joe”, grew up in a modest home in the small community of Lamont. Like many families during the dust bowl, Joe’s family settled here in California, working simple jobs and striving towards the American dream.

Joe was a vibrant young man who went after what he wanted in life and definitely never took “No” for an answer. He enlisted in the United States Marine Core at the young age of sixteen. Though he was obviously not of age he managed to sneak his way in, until he was caught, sent home, and told to re-enlist when he was eighteen, which he eventually did. Joe served in the United States Marines, and was stationed here in California at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside. He was honorably discharged in 1963.

Back in Lamont Ca. Joe met his beautiful wife Geraldine Russell (Young). They were married for 64 years. Together they had three children; Thomas D. Russell, Terri Lynn Russell, and Melvin G. Russell.

Joe and Geraldine worked and raised their three children in Bakersfield Ca. Joe eventually started his own drywall company together with his wife and youngest son Melvin, which became their livelihood for over thirty years. Russell’s Drywall Company was a well-established and successful business which allowed Joe to not only provide for his family but allowed him and Geraldine to indulge in one of their greatest adventures as grandparents. Joe was a proud man and one of few words, but the love he showed for his family and grandchildren was unmatched.

He enjoyed the glitz and glamour of life. He and Geraldine took many trips to Las Vegas. One could say gambling was one of Joes’ many pleasures. Joe also enjoyed buying and restoring cars. He got the greatest joy driving his luxury cars around town and all the oohs and ahhs he would get, because we all knew he was just “Poor JR”.

Joe is survived by his daughter Terri Knapp (Russell) and husband Jeff Knapp, Son Melvin Russell and Wife Tish Russell. His grandchildren: Tommy Jr., Samantha, Sydnee, Timothy, Brody, Melissa. And his Great Grandchildren: Layne, Sierra, Morgan, Colton, Tyson, Brinley, Thomas, Wesson, Boden, Quinn, Henley, Sawyer, Colter, and Vayda.

He is preceded in death by his parents Nancy Ball and Wilton Russell, His wife Geraldine Russell (Young), and oldest son Thomas D. Russell

Joe’s memory, humor, and wise words will live on in the hearts of those who knew him best, his family.

Services for Melvyn are as follows;

A visitation will be held Monday, November 25, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Funeraria Del Angel Hillcrest, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, CA 93306.

A chapel service will occur Tuesday, November 26, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, at Funeraria Del Angel Hillcrest, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, CA 93306.

A graveside service will occur Tuesday, November 26, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM, at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, CA 93306.

You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. You may also light a candle in honor of Melvyn Joe Russell or send a beautiful flower arrangement to the funeral service.

Fond memories and condolences may be shared at www.hillcrestmemorial.com