Rob was born on January 31, 1959, in Cody, Wyoming, to Butch and Jeanne Russell. He graduated from Cody High School in 1977 where he was an impressive athlete and a member of Boys State and the National Honor Society. The highlight of Rob’s high school experience was in 1976 during the state football championship when the Cody Broncs defeated the Laramie Plainsman in triple overtime (41-40), taking home the Wyoming state title. He would continue his education at the University of Wyoming where he played collegiate baseball and graduated in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
Rob’s life truly began when he married Debra A. Decklever on February 15, 1987. Although it will never be long enough, they spent 33 beautiful years together, raised a daughter and a son, and welcomed three grandchildren into their family.
Rob had a long and rewarding career with Marathon Oil Company where he remained loyal for 34 years and retired in 2016. Various opportunities with the company took he and his family from Wyoming to Indiana to Oklahoma and then Texas. Rob made many memories along the way and created lifelong friendships.
His legacy lives on through his wife, Debra Russell, son Jared (Kelly) Russell, daughter Lindsey (Jason) Malone, grandchildren Jordan, Lennon and Linley Malone, parents Butch and Jeanne Russell, sister Toni (Glenn) Murray, sister Julie (Mike) Good, nieces Aryn Downs, Nichole Schultz, Leslie Heather and Emily Murray and 14 cousins.
Rob is proceeded in death by his grandfather Ervin Russell, grandmother Alice Bartlett and grandparents Robert and Mary Burns.
Celebration of life will be held on Friday, August 21, 2020, at 10:30am,
at Faith Bible Church (5505 Research Forest Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77381) mask required. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to MD Anderson Cancer Center. When you give in honor of Rob, you also support the mission of Making Cancer History®. Your donation supports innovative cancer research, patient care and education and prevention programs. Visit https://www.mdanderson.org/donors-volunteers/donate/honor-loved-ones.html for more information.
