Michael Jay Russell, age 62, endearing husband, devoted father, doting grandfather, brother, Army veteran and friend, joined his Savior, Jesus Christ, who went before him to make a place for him in Heaven, on January 5, 2018.
For those who knew Mike and loved him, his passing was a profound loss. A man of character and quality, he was the kind of man whose word, as well as his hand shake was his bond. A loving and devoted family man, his guidance, born of experience, shaped and molded his family to be strong, independent, and able to make their own way into the world. He was the kind of friend who would always be there in a time of greatest need, always giving his best to help, while never expecting anything in return. He was the kind of man that people looked up to, respected, and sought out for advice and mentoring. His greatest strength was his overwhelming kindness to others, even those whom he hardly knew. He saw value in every person he met, regardless of their status in life. He loved humor, loved to laugh, loved his family and loved the life he created for himself. His departure from this life has rendered a hole in the hearts of all of us who were either touched or blessed by his presence in our lives. Though he will live forever in our hearts forever, we will miss him terribly.
The following information does not begin to describe the blessings in Mike’s life nor the impact he had on his family and friends.
He was born on September 20, 1955 in Richmond, Indiana to Jacquelyn and John Roscoe Russell who predeceased him in life.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 42 years, Deborah Dawn Russell; his sons, Michael Craig Russell and Scott Russell; his grandchildren Hailey Corrine Russell, Deacon Russell, Conner Russell and Alexis “Lexi” Russell,; his sisters, Kay Voorheis and Nadine Fraser; and his brothers, Chris Russell, Pete Russell, David Russell, Dale Russell, and John “Trey” Russell, III.
Mike served his country honorably from June, 26 1975 through June 20, 1978 in the Field Artillery Branch of the United States Army. He retired from the American Legion, Department of Indiana in March of 2016 following many years of service as their senior maintenance technician.
Mike was a member of Sunnyside Road Baptist Church at 6102 Sunnyside Road, Oklandon, IN 46236. His calling will take place on Wednesday, January 10th, 2018 at 10:00 am followed by a Celebration of his life service at 11:00 am. Both services will take place at the Church.
Mike chose to be cremated and his ashes spread at a location that was of a special, sentimental meaning to him and his family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Mike’s loving wife, Deborah Dawn Russell at 6847 West Odessa Way, McCordsville, Indiana 46055.
Brenda Bishop says
Mike was a dear and wonderful friend. I always looked forward to him walking in to my office because I knew he would make me laugh. He was there to cheer me up during my times of sorrow and to offer a helping hand if I needed it. He loved his family dearly. I will miss his corny jokes and the funny things he did like giving me a pair of work gloves with the fingers cut off so I could type and keep my hands warm at the same time. He will be deeply missed but will always be in our hearts.
Brad B. Boyd says
On behalf of the Kiwanis International family, we extend our sympathies…and hope fond family memories may help ease your sorrow.
Brad Boyd, Area Director-The Formula
Matt Grills says
Mike was so kind, always had a smile on his face, and cared about his job and his coworkers. He will be missed at American Legion National Headquarters. Prayers for his family.
Lynda Lydick says
I met Mike as we worked for The American Legion National Headquarters. From the first he was kind, smiling and always wanting to know if you needed anything done that he could help with. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. He is missed but never forgotten.
Debra Murrell says
To the Russell Family,
Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God also believe in me. In my fathers house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am there ye may be also.
I worked with Mike at the National Headquarters of The American Legion in Indianapolis. He was a humble man and always talked about his belief in God; but more importantly he served God through his kindness and helpfulness, and love showed to others. He would always stop by my office and tell me a joke, brightening my day with his laughter.
I am so very sorry for your loss. He now gets to rest at the feet of his Heavenly Father.
How Great Is Our God!
Debra Murrell
The American Legion
Holly Soria says
The words above are a very accurate description of Mike. I worked with him at The American Legion National Headquarters, and found him to be a kind and beautiful soul, always ready to help and always with a smile. I’m saddened by his passing and send my thoughts to his family. May you keep him alive in your hearts with all your happy memories of time spent together.
Mary Rooney says
Mike always had a smile on his face and a pleasant demeanor. A true gentleman! So sorry to hear of his passing.
Mary Clemenz says
Mike my brother-in-law, a wonderful friend and brother. You were always there for me, thank you.
Amazing brilliant caring confident compassionate fearless faithful friend kind loving clever funny loyal strong talented wise.
Debbie although no words can help to ease the loss of Mike, just want you to know how much I admired you both. Your life together was filled with strength, love and faith.
The hardest thing that has ever been required of my sister Debbie, was the day that she had to let go as the angels carried Mike up to Heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted”. Matthew 5:4
We are in this together and our love and support is with you at any time through this. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit may abound you in hope, courage and strength. We know through our faith that we will see Mike again. All My Love, Sister Mary
Karen Leonard says
Debbie,
My heart breaks for you and your family with the loss of your dear Mike. In the time he spent taking care of the repairs he did, it was clear that he cherished his family and especially you. He talked while he worked and it was a pleasure to have met him. Know that you are in my prayers. Peace and blessings, Karen
Matt Clemenz says
Uncle Mike was the coolest, kindest, and most caring uncle anyone could ever have. He will be missed so much. I have so many wonderful memories growing up with my uncle Mike and his family!
I can remember as a child going over to my aunt Debbie and uncle Mike’s house to spend the night which would turn into the whole weekend or multiple days because I would always ask or beg to stay longer and was always welcome there as long as my mother would let me stay. The love in their house was real and amazing. I can remember going swimming at the pool or fishing in the pond in their apartment complex and the tradition of fishing with uncle Mike had also been able to be passed down to the next generation with the great nieces/nephews and grandkids of his. One of the kindest people with the biggest heart you will ever meet. I know my uncle Mike is in heaven now fishing with my uncle Keith and all the other love ones we have lost and miss so dearly.
I firmly believe we all have a guardian angel now that will watch over us and be there for us for the rest of our days herenon earth, until we can join him again. One of the most amazing men I’ve ever known. I try to model myself after my uncle Mike when it comes to work ethic, compassion, being a family man, and always being a helping hand to all those around us in need of help. Words can not express how much we will all miss this wonderful man! Aunt Debbie I know times are tough and this is not easy but I love you so so much and I will always be here for you for anything you need at all. Same goes to my wonderful older cousins who taught me so much growing up, also.
Thank you so much for being such a great role model, and great cousins. My family and I love you all so much ( Aunt Debbie, uncle Mike, Scottie, and Craig)!
Love always, your nephew Matt
Lexie Russell says
Ill always miss you papaw, i love you so much!