Melvin Russell

Melvin Ross Russell was born on November 18, 1942, and died at home April 24, 2009 from complications of cancer. Funeral services will be held 10:30 am, Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at Eastwood Open Bible Church. Burial will be at Altoona Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, April 27, 2009 from 5-7 pm, at Hamilton's near Highland Memory Gardens.
Melvin, the youngest of four was born to Albert and Gladys Russell in Albia, Iowa. After moving to Des Moines, Melvin graduated from Tech High School in 1961. On February 9, 1962 he married Marilyn Joyce McDaniel after 9 months of dating. The couple recently celebrated 47 years of marriage.
Melvin is the father of four children: Onnalisa (Tim) Heck of Altoona; Joyce (Bill) Ostrander of Runnells; Rowena (Anthony) Pottebaum of Honolulu; and Melvin Dean Russell of Des Moines. He is the grandfather of five: Hannah Smith; Russtin Ostrander; Jordan Ostrander; Caitlin Heck and Alex Heck. He is brother to Lawrence Russell; Dorothy Rowena Steinbach; and Roy Russell. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; Albert and Gladys Russell, and grandson; Alex Heck.
Melvin worked in the City of Des Moines Forestry department for 34 years. He was an active member of Eastwood Open Bible Church. Melvin is well known for his love of vintage tractors (full size and model). His favorite colors were John Deere green and yellow. Melvin and Marilyn enjoyed traveling, including wintering in Arizona, where he found many other Midwest snowbirds (who also enjoyed tractors).
www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com

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