Melvin Russell
April 24, 2009
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
Brent & Natalie Holland
04/29/2009
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I knew Dean and used to work with him at the Watts Vault Company for several years. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Don and Pauline Steinbach
04/28/2009
Don and I knew the Russell family for over 60 years .Our thoughts and prayers prayers are with you Marilyn and all the Russell family . Don and Pauline
Julie Rice
04/27/2009
To the family of Maryilyn and Dean Russell:
Although I did not know your husband, I knew Dean from House of Freedom. I am sorry to hear of your loss and to let you know we are praying for your family in your time of loss.
Phil & Christy Spence
04/26/2009
To the Melvin Russell family:
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jessica Byers
04/26/2009
Aunt Marilyn and Family:
I will always remember Uncle Melvin's kind heart, the way he could make everyone laugh, him sitting in the chair reading the bible, and his tractor's of course :)
All of you have been there for my family and I my whole life. You have always meant so much to my Grandma Karen and Grandpa Les, and you mean so much to me too. You have always considered us family. I have been truely blessed for that.
Words will never express the thanks I have for always being there. You have always opened your home and your hearts to my family and I, and it really means more than you will ever know.
Im so sorry for your loss, you all are in my thoughts and prayers.I want you to know that if there is anything I can do for you please let me know.
Linda "Kay" Blocher
04/27/2009
Marilyn - no words to express our sympathy for your loss. We have had many dear freinds called home by the Lord these past few months and feel each loss keenly. I was so shocked to see Melvin's name on the Obit page yesterday. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Carol Reed
04/26/2009
Hi Marilyn and family,
I am Carol Reed and worked for H&R Block.
I am now retired since 2001 but read the obits on DSM Register
as we travel. I recall you were referred to me by Dorothy. I gained
so many friends thur my work...I recall you were always doing a craft
as we prepared your taxes....
No words to express my sympathy...Just know that you are
in my thoughts and prayers as you go thru these tough days...
He was the same age as me so feel like he was young...
Best to you...............Carol Reed