Walter E. Russell

Walter E. Russell, 81, of Riverside, passed away December 25, 2017. Walter was born in Sullivan, Indiana on January 14, 1936, the son of Arley and Mildred Russell. His childhood was spent in Terre Haute, Indiana, and he was educated in the public school system. Walter was affectionately called "Sonny" in his younger days and he also became known as a "Track Star". In 1953, he graduated from Wiley High School.

On September 10, 1955, Walter united in marriage to Joyce A. Bullard; his high school sweetheart. Walter was a loving and devoted husband, with over 60 years of marriage. To this union two sons were born, Walter T. Russell and Jerome K. Russell and they were the joy of Walter's life.

On October 1955, Walter left home and enlisted in the United States Air Force. His wife Joyce joined him shortly afterwards. It was during this time he gained the nickname "Russ and Russell". While serving his country, Walter was deployed to many different countries, including, Greenland, Germany, Japan, and many bases state-side. Walter honorably served his country for the over 23 years, retiring in 1978 at the rank of Technical Sergeant

After Walter's active duty retirement, he started his second career working with the Federal Government as a civil servant at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. He retired as a Vehicle Control Officer after more than 28 years of service.

Walter was a long time member of Mt. Pisgah Church in Dayton for over 40 years. He accepted Christ under the pastoral leadership of Pastor Willie L. Rowland and he was currently under the leadership of Pastor K. Edwin Bryant, PhD. He looked forward to the monthly gatherings for breakfast and fellowship with members from the congregation at Golden Coral.

Walter was a member of American Legion Post #776 and the Masonic Lodge #764 for many years. In his free time Walter enjoyed spending time outdoors, fishing, hunting, and gardening. He was an avid sports fan; football was his favorite and he loved to cheer on his favorite teams.

Walter will be remembered for his kindness and his sense of humor. He never met a stranger and loved to make people smile and laugh. Walter was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

Walter was preceded in death by his father, Arley O. Russell; mother, Mildred Russell; son, Walter T. Russell; sister, Patty Granger; brothers, Arley S. Russell, and Larry Russell.

Walter leaves to cherish his memory, loving wife, Joyce A. Russell; son, Jerome K. Russell; grandchildren, Teneisha Harper and Tyler (Shan) Plsek; great-grandchildren, Iesha, Steven, Michael, Mason, Navaeh; great-grandson named in Walter's honor, baby Curven Walter; brothers, Pastor Michael (Donna) Russell and Steven A. Russell; sister-in-law, Jeri Russell-Smith; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A Celebration of Life for Walter E. Russell will be held on Friday, January 5, 2018 at 12:30 pm at The Mount Pisgah Church (1 Diamond Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45403), with Pastor Gary Fincher officiating. A visitation will be held for two hours prior (10:30am - 12:30pm). Burial and Military Honors to follow at Dayton National Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at newcomerdayton.com