Thomas Russell Delatour

Russ, as he was known, was born on Feb. 20, 1929, in Newburgh, New York. He was married to his beloved wife, Grace, for 75 years. He cherished her.

The son of Thomas and Sarah Delatour, Russ was raised in a loving and nurturing home with his mother’s family. His father died at an early age and Russ became the apple of his grandfather’s eye. His grandfather’s kind and humorous influence would show up in the childhoods of his three sons with a Scottish accent he would often use to their delight.

Russ graduated from the Newburgh Free Academy in 1947. He was an excellent drummer and marched with his drum and bugle corps in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on several very cold occasions. A member of the ROTC, Russ enlisted in the United States Marine Corps upon graduation. Camp Lejeune North Carolina was Russ’ first exposure to southern hospitality; not from his drill sergeants, but with his new Marine buddies. It suited him well.

Honorably discharged in 1949, he left the freezing cold winters of New York for the smokey mountains of east Tennessee and chose the ministry. He enrolled at a small Christian college In Cleveland, Tennessee. It was while attending Lee College that Russ met Grace Walker, who would become his wife on June 6, 1951. Grace was pretty, smart, a high school senior and the daughter of the Lee College president. Russ graduated with a degree in Biblical Studies and headed to Vanderbilt University.

As the story goes, Grace graduated high school on a Thursday night and married Russ on Saturday night. Reverend JH Walker, his father in law, officiated at the ceremony. While in Nashville, Grace earned her bachelor of arts degree in Education from George Peabody College and Russ earned a master’s degree in Divinity from his beloved Vandy.

Their first son, Thomas Russell Jr., was born in 1954. Soon after, the family moved to Dallas, where they would spend the rest of their lives. Two more sons, John Samuel and William Edward, were born in 1959 and 1964, respectively.

Russ began a career in ministry and Grace started a life of teaching. Russ knew he had a servant’s heart and wanted to impact lives. He chose to do this through his work, his service to his church and his involvement with his three sons. He was dedicated, loyal and a fierce defender of the less fortunate. He was kindhearted and thoughtful to others and treated everyone as equals. He adored his grandchildren. His eldest granddaughter, Mary Grace, describes him as a calm and steady presence; always helping to keep his family, especially Gracie, grounded with a deep understanding of all that is good and right in the world.

Russ retired as the executive director of the Community Council of Greater Dallas. He was a great supporter of the Dallas area non-profit organization that work so hard to improve the lives of Dallas residents and families. The Visiting Nurses Association, The Salvation Army, The Jewish Community Center and Catholic Charities were most important to him. If you were ever involved in the nonprofit world of Dallas, you most likely knew Russ Delatour as a friend and partner.

In his memory, please support one of those charities or any others that are dear to you.

On the visor of his car were handwritten index cards with each of The Beatitudes. He recited them, along with the Lord’s prayer, each morning on his way to work. He told his sons this meditation helped settle his mind and start the day with a peaceful heart.

Russ and Grace were members of Highland Park United Methodist Church for 66 years. They were founding members of The Couples Round Table, a Sunday school class that led them to meet their closest and lifelong friends, the Morrows and the Wilbanks. Together, these families often enjoyed the church’s Lake Sharon Camp and Retreat Center.

Russ was actively engaged in the business affairs of the church through various committees and often served as chairman. Russ’ knowledge of the nonprofit world and needs of the community made him an important resource for many people and groups. Even after retirement, Russ served as interim chairman of the Council of Churches while they pursued a permanent leader.

Russ’ story is not complete without mentioning his commitment to health and fitness. Born of his Marine Corps training, exercise was his life within a life. He ran three miles a day, every day. Weight training, karate, and a healthy diet were the pillars of his fitness regimen for nearly a century. When it came to his sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren, Russ was their biggest cheerleader. Sports, scouting, chess, hunting, coin collecting, and even fireworks were always on the menu. His family was his heart.

Russ is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Grace; his eldest son, Tom; and two grandsons, David and Walker. He is survived by sons, John (Ann) and Bill (Lisa); his daughter-in- law, Grace Fan Delatour; grandchildren, Mary Grace Mewett, Bobby and Callie Delatour, and Sarah Portnoy; and his great grandchildren, Rylan and Elise Mewett.

Russ’ ashes will be inurned at Highland Park United Methodist Church during a private family service.

Memorials may be made to any of the charities outlined above.