Lawrence Russell
August 10, 2011
On August 10, 2011, Lawrence joined his bride Lu Etta of 57 years in Heaven at the feet of our Lord,
Larry was born December 3, 1926 in Mahaska County, Iowa to Albert and Gladys Russell. He served honorably in the U.S. Navy during WWII in the South Pacific. Larry retired from Firestone Tire and Rubber Company after 30 years of service where he also served several years as a dedicated Union Official, to include representing the URW Local 310 rank and file membership as their president. Larry served a term as Chairman of the Iowa Workman's Compensation Advisory Committee and later received a gubernatorial appointment as a member of the Iowa Human Rights Commission. Larry was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church.
Larry is survived by his children, Wayne (Deborah) Russell, David (Mary) Russell, Ray (Sherri) Russell, Lu Ann (Reggie) Lewis and Patricia (Boyd) Nansel; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother, Roy David Russell; four sisters-in-law, Helen Shepherd, Marge Ford, Leota Vanderpool and Marilyn Russell; and his dear friend, Shirlee Herrold. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lu Etta; and infant daughter, Pamela.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, August 15, 2011, at Epworth United Methodist Church, 412 Euclid Avenue, followed by burial at Glendale Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street.
Memorial contributions may be made to McAuley Terrace, 5921 Winwood Drive, Johnston, IA.
Online condolences may be sent to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Rosemary Cook Hulse
08/22/2011
Dear Cousins,
So sorry to read about your loss. Just learned about your loss this morning after looking up Aunt Leota's information. Please except our deepest sympathy during these difficult days. I remember lots of great times the cousins had together. Remember the time your family came out to our farm shortly after we moved there and the boys climbed the windmill tower? Crazy boys!! Anyway, I hope that you do receive this message even though it's late.
Rosemary
Steve Sallman
08/15/2011
Ray and Family,
Please accept my deepest synpathy in your loss.
I did not know Lawrence, but having worked 13-years at the plant, we can all appreciate what he did for workers.
Take care,
Steve Sallman
Ed Linebach
08/15/2011
Patti (and family)- just by chance saw your dads obit in the paper. I am SO sorry I did not make it to the visitation or funeral. As you know he meant alot to me and am very grateful I got the chance to know him. Please give me a call when you can. I would like to do some type of memorial at Riverview. I would also like to visit his grave and pay my respects. Maybe Shirlee can go with me and show me where he lies. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Again- I am heartbroken about this. He is and always will be one of my dearest friends! God bless.
Martin Oline
08/15/2011
I'm sorry to learn of your loss. I wish I could have talked to him more when I last saw him. I know both of my brothers are saddened by his passing. Larry and his entire family had a special place in our lives and that included our entire neighborhood. His caring and involvement with others will be hard to replace but it is something for all of us to try and emulate. Be comforted by knowing what an effect he had on so many people.
Becca Morgan
08/14/2011
I'll always be thankful for Larry and all his teasing and laughs over the years. He and Luetta were always so kind to me. I miss him already and expect I always will.
I'm so sorry for the loss to those that loved him. He was a good man, and he will be very much missed. My sincere condolences.
Joann Wheaton Schissel
08/14/2011
LuAnn and Reggie,
Sorry to hear of your loss. Losing a parent is very rough. I will hold you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
dianne slonine
08/14/2011
i Knew your father from the 9127 vfw. i enjoyed many great visits with him. i had bought a bunch of canning jars from him several years ago. for the good deal he gave me i had to bring him jars of pickled beets. he was a wonderful man, i am so sorry for your loss.
Linda Andersen Billyard
08/14/2011
Lu Ann and family -
I recall seeing Larry only a couple of times, but those times stand out in my memory, and with that and the stories Lu Ann used to share with me about him, I felt like I knew him pretty well and was so sorry to learn of your loss.
Al Skinner
08/14/2011
My condolences to the Russell family. Larry was a great leader and teacher, he will be missed by all who knew him.
Dennis Green
08/13/2011
Larry has always been a friend with dignity and honor his care & concern for working men & women will never be forgot by those who know him. Larry always treated us with respect we will miss him. I will be travling on Union business and unable to attend I think Larry would say work hard but I wish I could be there for him. In Solidarity D Green & family
Roberta Randall
08/13/2011
Lu Ann and family-
I have good memories of being at your house and how nice your father was to us.
My deepest sympathy for your loss.
Shelley and Ed Bishop
08/13/2011
We only knew Larry Russell for a short time through his daughter, Patty, but boy oh boy he was one special fellow to get to know, if only for a while. We feel that it was a unique treat in our lives to share just a small moment in time with the funny, fun, special, thoughtful, caring, and solid man of character that was Larry Russell. His legacy will live on through his family, a fine group of folks if there ever was one. Well done, Larry Russell, well done.
Mary Morlan
08/12/2011
I would like to extend my condolences to the Russell family as I have known you for many years. Your Dad was always good to me. He was always good for a conversation, even though he tried to give me a hard time! I am sorry for your loss.
The McMahon Family
08/12/2011
So sorry to learn of the passing of Larry. Dick always enjoyed the time he spent with him at coffee at HyVee with "the boys". He was a wonderful man and will always be remembered for his ability to discuss a wide range of topics but especially politics! Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.