He graduated from Blodgett Vocational High School in 1954 and enlisted in the Air Force that same year. He was enlisted for the entire Vietnam War and retired in 1977. He then went to work for the Civil Service and retired from there as well.
In 1964, he married Donna Eccles Russell. They were married for 56 years until her death in 2020 and they had four children. Robert was an active member of the DAV, VFW, American Legion, Elks, and Amvets. He was passionate about veterans rights. His two favorite pastimes were fishing and sports.
Robert is predeceased by his father, Harold, his mother, Frances, his brothers, Harold Jr and Richard, his sister, Patricia, and his wife, Donna. He is survived by his children: Ruth Russell Gray, Robert Russell, Jr (Susan), Randall Russell (Rain), and Rachael Russell Jordan (Tom). He is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Brittany Wood (Ken), Benny Gray (Brittany), Richard Russell, Kaitlin Russell (Andrew), Nicole Russell, Charlaine Murphy, Randall Russell, Frank Russell, Brianna Jordan, and Vanessa Jordan. And he is survived by 9 great grandchildren: Mason Wood, Brooklyn Gray, Lily Pablo, Kassidie Wood, Kendra Wood, Kai Pablo, Miya Gray, Alexander Gray, and Kenneth Wood, Jr.
Services will be held at Oak Lawn Memorial on August 1, 2024. Visitation begins at 10:00 followed by a service at 11:00. Robert will be interred at Barrancas National Cemetary following the service and a celebration of life will be held at Amvets Post 12, 3220 Gulf Beach Highway following the burial.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the veterans organization of your choice.
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