Gaylord Newell Russell, Jr. was called home on February 9, 2014. He was born August 8, 1946 in Shamrock Texas to Gaylord Newell Russell, Sr. and Gladys Stapp Russell. He spent his childhood years with his family in Shamrock. Gaylord joined the Army in July 1969. While serving in the Army he received two Army Commendation Medals with âVâ Device for Heroism, the Bronze Star Medal with âVâ Device for Heroism, and two Purple Hearts. Sgt E-5 Gaylord N. Russell received an honorable discharge April 16, 1971.
After his discharge from the service Gaylord moved to Crane. He married Patricia Heath on July 1, 1977. They had 3 children, Kimberly Ann, Trenton Newell, and Jan Renee. He worked for Gulf/Chevron for 21 years and worked for Crane County Road & Bridge Department for 12 years before retiring from the county. After a year of retirement he went back to work at the Crane County Parks Department where he was currently employed.
Gaylord is preceded in death by his father, mother, and grandparents. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Heath Russell, his daughter Kim OâBrien & husband Loren of East Helena Montana, his son Trenton Newell Russell & wife Sherié of Crane, and daughter Renée Martinez & husband Sammy of Crane. Gaylord was blessed with 9 beautiful grandchildren, Kaylee, Danielle & Caleb OâBrien of Montana, his buddy- AJ & Aspen Martinez of Crane, Caleb, Dekota, Shauna & Jadyn Russell of Crane. Also his 6 sisters, Gail, Glenda, Carlee, Eddie Mae, Judy & Nancy as well as many nieces and nephews and other loved ones.
Visitation time will be at Shaffer-Nichols Funeral Home Tuesday evening from 6:00-8:00. Funeral services will be held 2:00 Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at the Ekklesia of Crane Church, 1301 S. Gaston, Crane, Texas.