Gerald Edward Russell

(Lt. Col., US. Army, Retired)

Gerald Edward Russell, Age 78, of Leesville went to be with the Lord on July 1, 2011.

Services honoring the life of Gerald Russell will be on July 5, 2011 at First Baptist Church of Leesville at 10:00 am with Dr. Jerry Penfield officiating. Family will receive friends on July 4, 2011 at Hixson Funeral Home in Leesville from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.

Gerald was born April 7, 1933 in Monticello, Mississippi. In 1955, he joined the Army. After a rewarding career with the Army, Gerald retired as Chief of Social Work Services on February 1, 1982. Gerald continued helping those less fortunate as a clinical social worker in child protection and child guidance for an additional 27 years at the Fort Polk Army Hospital.

Gerald received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi, a Masters in Social Work from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana and completed a two-year social work fellowship in child psychiatry at Walter Reed General Hospital. He received numerous awards, commendations, citations and medals over the years, including the Legion of Merit. His specialty was assessing children experiencing life difficulties and developing a positive treatment plan for the child and family unit.

Gerald was active with several community events. During his children’s time in school, he supported the PTA and the band. He was a member of the American Legion Post 387 for 27 years and a charter member of the Museum of West Central Louisiana. He was a proud member of First Baptist Church of Leesville for over 37 years. He always strived to be a faithful servant of Jesus Christ and led an exemplary life due to his Christian beliefs.

Gerald was a devoted husband, loving father, caring brother and the most incredible Papaw. His joy for life was derived from watching his children and grandchildren succeed. Gerald was supportive and always had an encouraging word. Whether it was coaching them in sports or a riveting game of dominos, he simply loved being with his family.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie and Lavert Russell; his son Glen Russell; his granddaughter Elizabeth Russell, and his son in law Jay Greenleaf.

Gerald is survived by his wife of 55 years, Nina Russell of Leesville, his daughter Tina Gelinas and her husband John of Haughton, his daughter Aprile Greenleaf of Shreveport, his son Eric Russell and his wife Crystal of Austin Texas; and his daughter in law Stephanie Bowden Russell of Bastrop, Texas. He is also survived by his sister Gwendolyn Steverson and her husband Luther of Pearl, Mississippi, his sister Dubois Shoemake and her husband Thomas of Terry, Mississippi, his brother Jerry Russell and his wife Margaret of Alabaster, Alabama and his sister Ava Spell and her husband Charles of Pearl, Mississippi. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Crystal and Chelsea Gelinas; Samantha, Dylan and Madelyn Greenleaf; Emily Elizabeth Russell and two great grandchildren, Bryson Gelinas and Jace Vegas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the Museum of West Central Louisiana, Third Street, Leesville, LA 71446.

II Timothy 4 / 6-8 – “And the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race and I have kept the Faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness. Amen”