Morgan David Russell III

Morgan David Russell, III, loving husband, father, son, uncle, brother, Poppy to his grandchildren and friend to many, died peacefully on January 22, 2026 of diffuse interstitial fibrosis at the age of 76. He was born on November 12, 1949 in New Orleans to Morgan David Russell, Jr. and Diana Phipps Russell. He loved his country, God and family. He never met a stranger. He was a graduate of East Jefferson High School and Loyola University. He served in the Army with the 1st Aviation Brigade in Vietnam as a helicopter crew chief. When his enlistment was up, he joined the National Guard and continued working on helicopters. He took a break from the service and worked at Southern Natural Gas until he decided to take on a new challenge and began his career in computers. The call to service was strong and would state that he saw the light and joined the Navy Reserve and retired as a Chief Petty Officer. He was an active church member at both St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and St. Martin’s Episcopal Church. In addition, he held several offices with the American Legion.

David is survived by his wife of 53 years, Janet Benefield Russell, his children, Molly Russell Doran (Liam) and John Thomas Russell, his grandchildren, Moira Fiona Doran, Miles Russell Doran and Finley Ann Russell, his sister-in-law, Peggy Bishop (Charlie) as well as nieces, nephews, a great-niece and great-nephews. His parents and brother, Richard Russell, predeceased him.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in New Orleans, 6249 Canal Boulevard, New Orleans, Louisiana. Visitation at 10:00am followed by the Rite of Christian Burial at 11:00am. A reception in the Parish Hall will follow. Interment will be private at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans cemetery in Slidell, Louisiana.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church or the charity of your choice.