John R. Russell's Obituary
John Russell went home to be the Lord Dec. 8, 2004. He was a longtime member of the Tacoma Bible Presbyterian Church. Born in Lane County, Kansas, June 27, 1920 to John and Effie, he was the third of five children. He moved to Roy, WA, with his family in 1937 to escape the Dust Bowl. WWII saw him in the Army Air Force serving in the Pacific arena. After the war he married Wilma Veits, and together they built a loving home for their children in Midland. A successful businessman, Johnny with his brother Ralph, operated Downtown Auto Service in Tacoma, and later RussellÂ's Auto Sales and Service in Parkland. Dad enjoyed many hobbies including gardening and woodworking. He was active in NW Woodcarvers, winning many ribbons for his beautiful work. We will never forget how he tenderly cared for our Mom during her lengthy illness. John is survived by son Joe and daughter Wendy Kvale, grandchildren Jacob Russell, Megan (Russell) Stoehr, Kjerste, Hans, Effie, John-Michael, Karl, Jonas, Evan and Jordaan Kvale, great-granddaughter Kaylee Mae Russell, sister Grace Stanley and Ethel Backman, and brother Leslie. He was preceded in death by his wife Wilma of 52 years, and little son Michael James. A memorial service will be held Wed. Dec. 15, 2004 at 3:30 PM at Tacoma Bible Presbyterian Church.
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