Russell spent his early childhood in Coahoma. His parents were skilled musicians and gifted a lifelong interest in music to all their children. His family moved to Lubbock in 1942, where he was an honors graduate from high school in 1946, with a good foundation in science and math. He considered several college scholarship offers, but moved back to Coahoma, where he became a skilled butcher and grocer while assisting his mother in a family-owned grocery store.
His father soon traded for the Blue Star Grocery in Big Spring, where they relocated. Russell continued his education at the Howard County (Junior) College, where he was a charter member student, majoring in math and science. He made straight A’s, while earning most of his money as a chemistry lab assistant teacher.
It was during this period that Russell worked as a laborer and gravel truck driver for the county road agency. He volunteered to direct the YMCA weight lifting gym and he boxed with local amateurs. Russell was active in the Baptist and Methodist churches.
Encouraged by his father, Russell finally returned to Lubbock to attend Texas Tech, where he worked very hard at studies, butchering, and campus activities. He made many friends and represented the college on the Tech Chamber of Commerce, the Rodeo Club, and the Student Council. He won scholastic recognition for Tau Beta Pi (engineering), Alpha Ch (math), and Kappa Mu Epsilon (overall scholastics).
Russell was Secretary/Treasure for the IRE/AIEE Student Branch, where he presented a paper describing his first invention, “A Homopolar DC Generator”. This invention provided extremely high DC current without the conventional limitations of rectifiers or brushes. He graduated in 1951 with a BS in EE, with minors in math and secondary education.
He was employed by Texas Electric Service Co. He trained as a lineman and laborer in construction of many high voltage transmission lines and electrical substations. In later supervisory positions, he joined the Toastmasters of America and The Texas Masonic Lodge.
He was assigned one summer at Texas A&M to support a state-wide simulation of the electrical power network. His analytical studies led to accurate projection of the lightning outage performance of high voltage
transmission lines. He was responsible for bringing a large new steam-electric generating station on line without a flaw.
He invented and constructed a model of a passive self-contained fault indicator for use at high voltage line junctions.
Russell then changed profession to nuclear weapon engineering for Sandia Corp in Albuquerque, where he became skilled in radar and electronic design. He recognized the importance of semiconductors and decided to focus his creativity at Texas Instruments in Dallas. He designed the transistorized ground support system for the Regulus guided missile. He had many inventions, five of which were patented. Russell was responsible for the ultimate in real beam side-looking radars, the AN/APQ-69 and then the first synthetic aperture radar, AN/UPD-1. He developed the first experimentally verified theory for the effects of phase errors on focused synthetic aperture radars. As a scientist, he developed extra high voltage electron beam optics and thin-film phosphorescent materials.
He was program manager for the first transistorized production terrain following radar, AN/APQ-99.
Russell was selected to direct the development and test of the first high resolution periscope detection radar, AN/APQ-116. His personal efforts led to many successful ocean control radar programs. In 1973 he proposed a new concept to DARPA and he started the most highly successful and long-running sensor programs – still actively deployed and contributing more billings than all other TI radar programs combined.
Russell was elected to the highest technical position as Principal Fellow. He became Chief Engineer and Director of Technology for over 3000 engineers.
He provided technical guidance to the defense programs at TI. Russell stressed technical quality and integrity. As a registered Professional Engineer, Russell encouraged all TI engineers to become registered.
He initiated definition of Software Engineering, then in its infancy, as a recognized field for registration.
Russell was the champion for relations with universities. He created a program for teaching System Engineering at Texas Tech and other universities. Texas Tech recognized his efforts by electing him Distinguished Engineer in 1986. He directed laboratory equipment and computer labs for Ole Miss, Texas Tech, community colleges of Dallas County, Richardson High School, and University of Kansas. His skill as a public speaker led to his serving as the spokesman for quality and engineering for TI’s defense business. He was the keynote speaker for the first internationally televised symposium on manufacturing quality.
Before retiring from TI in 1991, he was the corporate focus for classified programs. He personally led the field support in Nevada for the electro-optic IR sensor for the stealth fighter, and he supported the Lockheed Skunk Works in many other classified activities.
Russell served on many high technology studies. He wrote many of the government’s technical limitations for export control. He served with Jack Kilby on a study to apply integrated circuits to radar and other avionics.
Russell formed the first IEEE Avionics Chapter for the Dallas area. He was elected to Life Fellow of the IEEE. Recognized by others in his profession, he became head of the IEEE Radar System Panel and he opened up China’s presence by holding the first meeting in Beijing.
Upon early retirement from TI, Russell formed a private consulting firm, the Red Team. He was selected to head the DARPA programs in Arlington, VA for almost 2 years. The Red Team successfully supported government development programs, until his retirement in 2001.
After relocating to Colleyville in 1994, Russell renewed his service to Christ. He had earlier been Baptized as a child in the Coahoma Methodist Church.
He served in the choir in Big Spring, Richardson, and Grapevine Methodist Churches, as well as the Baptist church at Big Spring. He was volunteer director of the choir at the new II’th Street Baptist Church in Big Spring.
Russell and his wife, Carol, both joined the Grapevine First Methodist Church. They enjoyed many years in the Seekers Sunday School Class, where their spiritual development flourished among supportive friends.
Music was always a part of Russell’s life. After formal instructions at early childhood on the piano, violin, and saxophone, he became a guitar enthusiast. He was a competent and eager accompanist to his father and fiddling brothers. Russell composed 2 songs, “Lonesome Polecats” and “Yonder and Back” (sequel to “Down Yonder”). Russell helped start a string band for the church and played many volunteer engagements. He played more than 4 years to entertain seniors with an expert band at the Grapevine REC. As an avocation, Russell learned the Luthier trade and repaired many fine stringed instruments.
He leaves his four children: Russell E. (Rusty) Logan, Keith L. Daniels, Sandra J. Logan Peacock, and Kevin B. Daniels. He is also survived by his youngest brother, Samuel H. Logan of McAlister, Ok, and by grandchildren: Jason Peacock, James Daniels, Joseph Daniels, Casey Daniels, and Chelsie Wiggins, and several great grandchildren. He was preceded by his cherished wife of 47 years, Carol Lee Hobbs Daniels, his daughter, Pamela D. Timbrell Logan, and by his siblings Mary Lee Peterson, Benjamin F. Logan Jr (or “Tex”), and Homer H. Logan.
The funeral will be held on October 20th, 2022 at 11 a.m. at the First Methodist Church of Grapevine, TX. Committal Service will be held on October 20th, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. at Restland Cemetery, Dallas, TX
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bluebonnethills.com for the Logan family.
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