He was born in Victoria, Texas on October 1, 1965. He loved to be outside—planting his garden, helping his kids with their livestock projects, working cattle, and giving his grandkids rides in the “buggy.” When Russell wanted to do something, he only knew how to give 110%. He could build a picnic table that would take 8 grown men to move and built fence for over 30 years, mostly on his own. There are fences all over Victoria and the surrounding counties that are his handiwork and will outlive most of us. Over the years, he was actively involved in the Industrial Athletic Booster Club, Industrial FFA Booster Club, Victoria Area Go Texan, Victoria County Farm Bureau, Knights of Columbus Council No. 1329, Victoria Prairie Wildlife Association, ACTS, and Independent Cattlemen’s Association.
He loved his wife more than anything in the world, and that love for her never wavered. They were married for 32 years and together raised 5 beautiful children. He was a very spiritual man and relied heavily on his faith. He prayed the rosary every morning and every night, attended perpetual adoration, and he and his family went to mass every Sunday.
He is preceded in death by his father Emil “Al” Hessler and son Michael Hessler. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Billie Hessler; children, Erin (Daniel) Elliff, Ryan (Kaitlyn) Hessler, Kori (Brantley) Bordovsky, Amy (Logan Dodd) Hessler, and Emma Hessler; grandchildren, Knox Elliff, Whitt Elliff, and Kirby Bordovsky; mother, Patricia Hessler; siblings Jennifer Hessler, Charlotte (Doye) Bethke, and Christopher Hessler; and all his nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held at the Our Lady of Victory Cathedral Center, Victoria, TX from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm with a rosary at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, April 20, 2022. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 am Thursday, April 21, 2022 at The Cathedral of Our Lady of Victory.
Honorary Pallbearers are Mark Sievers, Scott Perry, Scott Turk, Jay Wimberly, Kyle Salziger, Johnny Bush, Brad Bethke, and Billy Drapela. These men have been there for Russell and his family through thick and thin.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Industrial Athletic Booster Club [PO Box 497, Inez, TX 77968] or The Emmaus Center, in an effort to bring an end to the mental health crisis.
To share a memory or a message of condolences visit www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
