John Weaver Russell Obituary
John Weaver Russell put his life in order and left home on Thursday, June 16, 2016, knowing what a wonderfully loving and devoted wife he had in Allison, knowing that his children
Toby (wife Alexis) and Emily, Rachel and Todd love and appreciate him dearly and knowing that he was able to witness and be a part of his precious grandson Thomas’ first two years.
John was born in Austin on July 22, 1944 to Donald H. Russell and Virginia Weaver Russell. He grew up in Eastland, Texas on the family quarter horse ranch with his brother Joe.
John graduated from Eastland High School having learned friendship, horses, tractors, tubas, outboard motors, kerosene lanterns, chickens, acting, the school curriculum and plenty
else from his storied parents.
After attending Principia College in Elsah, Illinois for two years, John completed his coursework at the University of Texas, graduating with a degree in math. By draft or happenstance,
John had a chance to work on a railroad work crew in the Texas sun, star in his Mother’s theater productions, teach school, and serve honorably in the United States Army. He worked
with a local accounting and tax firm in Eastland before taking his talents to Austin where he was employed with the Texas Department of Health & Human Services for the remainder of his career.
John was a true Renaissance Man who loved and participated in the arts, could build or repair anything, had a wonderful sense of humor with a robust laugh, was an engaging conversationalist,
a good storyteller, philosopher, hunter, fisherman, rancher, horseman, water enthusiast, supremely imaginative & creative, numbers guy par excellence, and a devoted family man.
John leaves behind a large extended family that includes the Mark & Miriam Owen family, the Rick & Betsy Nalle family, the Joseph Russell family, the Gina Kreutz family and
his 1st wife Kittie Howe.
Thank you John for good times, lovely memories, hilarious stories, and the certainty that you loved truly. And Happy Father’s Day.