Russell Bex

Russell was born in Williams, Indiana, June 4, 1929. He was the youngest of 12 children born to Manie Terrell Bex and John Logan Bex, including one child who died in infancy.

Russell voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1947. He attended boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois, and afterward was dispatched to Seattle, Washington, for service. He served on the USS Toledo in the Japanese waters of the Pacific Ocean. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1950.

Russell operated his own painting business in Columbus for more than 40 years, serving the greater Columbus area before gradually retiring himself. He enjoyed hunting, especially turkey, grouse and deer. He was a member of Garden City Church of Christ.

Russell is survived by two sisters, Lucille Williams and Sarah Bright. He is also survived by his wife of 40 years, Barbara Bex; three children, Nancy Lucas (Irvin) of Columbus and sons David (Candace) and Troy (Susan) of Indianapolis. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Rosemary Albright (Todd) of Columbus, Ginger Hiatt (Wayne) of Columbus, Andrew Bex, Alexander Bex, Zachary Bex, Elizabeth Bex and Hayden Bex of Indianapolis; and five great-grandchildren, Macy Albright, Madison Albright, Haley Hiatt, Jackson Hiatt and Chloe Hiatt of Columbus.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Hospice of South Central Indiana.

Calling will be at Myers-Reed Chapel on 25th Street from 3 to 8 p.m. (Feb. 16). Funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday (Feb. 17) at Garden City Church of Christ. Burial will be at Garland Brook Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by Bartholomew County Veterans Color Guard.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.myers-reed.com.