Hugh Hayden Russell Sr.

Hugh Hayden Russell Sr. was born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma on March 19th, 1952 at around 10:18 p.m. to his mother, Aimee “Ginger” Sloan-Russell. Hugh, his headstrong mother, and his fearless maternal grandmother, Jessica “Mimi” Sloan had a deep and special bond that lasted throughout each of their lifetime’s. When Hugh was fourteen, they moved from Tulsa to Oilton where they built a farm and family home off Old Highway 51.

Hugh loved animals and was the animal whisperer; wild peacocks even ate out of his hand in Kauai. Throughout his life, he took care of and loved many animals deeply. At a young age, he took up horseback riding. Barrel racing was his first love, and he was quite talented at it. His storage overflowed with ribbons.

After high school, Hugh served in the Marine Corp for four years. He was a loyal Pokes fan and graduated from Oklahoma State University with his PhD in Microbiology.

Hugh worked at Halliburton in Duncan, Army Corps of Engineers in Tulsa, and Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Lab in the Applications and Assistance branch in Ada before following his true calling of opening up his family corporation, AR Environmental Services. Through his corporation, he got to work on his noble passion of helping heal the beautiful Mother Gaia through his incredible talents in environmental services.

Hugh had his black belt in Taekwondo and a love for life and learning. He loved Bob Marley, traveling, smoking cigars while sitting by the beach, animals, Law and Order, playing games, having a good laugh, and his family.

In Hugh’s final years, he got to soak up life how he had always wanted- through traveling, exploring, and experiencing life to the fullest.

Hugh worked hard his whole life to provide for his family and was lucky enough to get to spend the last few years of his life with his partner Linda, enjoying the beauty of life, and maybe even getting to relax a tiny bit.

Hugh was the prime example of everything a good man should be. He always showed up and had the miraculous gift of always knowing just the things to say and do to calm the panic.

Hugh was an incredible father who believed in his children wholeheartedly, accepted them for who they were, and always made them feel secure.

Mason was Hugh’s constant companion from the time he was little. He would teach Mason many helpful techniques from the family business, take him to OSU football game after OSU football game, and take him to see the airplanes he loved so much take off. He was filled with pride when Mason graduated from his Alma mater, Oklahoma State.

Hugh would drive Brylee to every audition she ever got, happily listen to her talk his ear off every day, answer any time she called, and sing “My Brylee Brooke” to her anytime she cried. He even introduced her to her favorite band, The Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Every single day since Mason and Brylee had moved out from their family home, Hugh would text them every morning, wishing them a good one, and letting them know they were loved. And although timing, circumstances, and life caused unforeseen difficulties - like it always seems to -Hugh always held a special deep love and care in his heart for his two oldest children, Hayden and Cassie.

He was so proud of Hayden’s first job at KFC, and was honored to compete in Taekwondo with Hayden and earn his black belt on the same night, with his son.

Hugh loved his daughter Cassie and spending time laughing and eating ice cream together. He shared a love of horses with his daughter and was so proud to compete in dressage with her.

Hugh was patient, stubborn, intelligent, loyal, and quick-witted.

His wise words, gruff dirty hands, ever-lasting patience, and ever-calming presence will be dearly missed- but never forgotten.

Hugh is survived by his children Hugh Hayden Russell Jr., Cassandra Ann McFarland, Mason Sloan Russell, and Brylee Brooke Russell; his grandchildren, Scott Russell McFarland, Clark J. Russell, Brook E. Russell, and Lucy P. Russell; his wonderful, loving companion Linda Wegener; and his dog, loyal companion, and sweet tea stealer Maygen Brooke Russell.

He is preceded in death and finally reunited with his mother and his Mimi.

As our precious Dad would say,

“Jah live, little children. Jah live.”

Family and friends are encouraged to share their favorite story, pictures or memories of Hugh, to help them through this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, we would love donations to be sent to Right Path Riding Academy in Drumright, Oklahoma. Here is the link to their website: https://therightpathok.org/?amp

Hugh’s wishes were to not have a service or fan-fare, but rather sing his favorite Bob Marley song a little louder-

“Rise up this mornin’

Smile with the risin’ sun

Three little birds

Pitched by my doorstep

Singin’ sweet songs

Of melodies pure and true

Sayin’, ‘This is my message to you-uu’

Singin’, don’t worry, about a thing

‘Cause every little thing is gonna be alright.

Singin’, don’t worry, about a thing

‘Cause every little thing is gonna be alright.”

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.baggerley.com for the Russell family.