Russell entered his eternal rest on 11/21/15 after a long battle with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. His beloved wife Barbara Vanover preceded him in death in 2014. They had been married for 60 years at the time of her death, and leave behind two sons, Randall Mark Vanover (wife Marilyn Vanover) and Gregory Alan Vanover (wife Allison Vanover), and a daughter, Katrina Rae Vanover (Partner Dennis Peck). Russell and Barbara also had 3 grandchildren, Melissa Anne Vanover, Bradley Ross Vanover, and Noah Gregory Vanover. Russell was born in 1930 in Pikeville, Kentucky to parents Russell Vanover Sr. and Russia Alicefaire Biliter. He had a brother, Charles Vanover (deceased), and a sister who died in infancy, Peggy Sue Vanover. He subsequently lost his mother as well, due to complications of childbirth. He was raised by his stepmother, Opal Vanover, and had a stepsister, Billie Marlene Adkins (deceased), and 2 half sisters, Betty Sue Johnson, and Lola Justice (deceased). Russell enlisted in the Army during the Korean conflict and was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska during the time of his service. He moved to Michigan after discharge, and there met and married his wife Barbara. He and Barbara lived in Wyandotte Michigan for most of their young married lives, and then moved to San Antonio upon the birth of their first grandchild. They had lived in San Antonio since 1985, and worked together in Van’s Family Hair care near Converse and Universal City. Russell was a barber, and Barbara was a beautician. They were much beloved by their many loyal customers, and retired in 2010. Following retirement, Russell had enjoyed the company of his daughter and son who still live in San Antonio, but had been mostly homebound by his prior stroke and his chronic leukemia. He had also enjoyed the long-term companionship of his favorite pet, Odie. Russell and Barbara will be sorely missed by their children and grandchildren, as well as their many friends, neighbors, and customers. A memorial service is planned for Saturday 12/26/2015 at 4 PM, at Epworth United Methodist Church (Address: 5718 Pecan Valley Dr, San Antonio, TX 78223). In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be directed to the Cancer Therapy and Research Center of San Antonio (http://www.uthscsa.edu/patient-care/ctrc/donate)
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18