Russell E Sayers

Russell Eugene Sayers of Austin passed away after a lengthy illness on September 16, 2010. He was born in Tremont, Ohio on August 29, 1918. Russell was preceded in death by De Etta, his wife of 69 years; his sister Dora May Sayers Williams; and his brother John Sayers. He is survived by his daughters, Maridee Sayers Ward and Virlie Sayers Cain; son-in-law, Jimmy Cain; and grandson, Patrick Ward; brother, William Sayers; and numerous nieces and nephews. His special talent was performance and teaching music, which included band, orchestra and choir. He was a versatile director of choirs, operettas, and talent shows in church and school. Students and all who knew him found him kind with gentle humor and a great big smile. He taught at Baker Jr. High and Murchison Middle School. He directed many church choirs such as Tarrytown, University and St. John’s Methodist. He was an active member of Austin Retired Teachers Assn., Texas Retired Teachers Assn. (Life), NEA (Life), TSTA, AARP, Austin Gem and Mineral Society, TMEA, TCDA and others. Upon retirement he only slowed his pace down and continued his interest in music by singing and leading group sing-alongs for Assn. meetings and church. Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from six o’clock in the afternoon until eight o’clock in the evening on Thursday, the 23rd of September, at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N. Lamar Blvd. The Funeral Service will be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Friday, the 24th of September, at St. John’s United Methodist Church. Entombment will follow at Cook Walden Capital Parks, 14501 North IH-35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to St. John’s United Methodist Church. Condolences may be made at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com