January 11, 1937 – October 10, 2024
Mel Russell was born on January 11, 1937, to Lewis and Ethel Russell in San Antonio, Texas. He went to his heavenly home on October 10, 2024.
Mel graduated from Burbank High School in San Antonio, Class of 1954 and attended Howard Payne University on a music scholarship (band drum major). He received his Master of Science in Marine Biology, from Texas A&M University.
He worked as a biomedical research assistant with Southwest Research Foundation in San Antonio. He was a high school teacher at Jefferson High School, San Antonio and then at Clear Lake High School, Clear Lake. Mel also was the first Galveston County Marine Extension Agent, and then finished his career as the Outreach Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services, Clear Lake Field Office. Mel also found time to serve in the U.S. Naval Reserve for a total of eight years.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Howard Russell, stepdaughter Karen Inglet and step granddaughter Kate Roe.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Suzy Russell, his children and their spouses, Calvin Russell (Danne’), Cathy Nieto (Greg), and Clint Russell (Jan). Also, his stepchildren and their spouses, Chris Myers (Monica), Janie Caradec (Jim) and Amy Roe (Mike). He was great Papaw to six grandchildren and three step-grandchildren along with fifteen great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Raymond Russell (Suzanne), sister-in-law Louise Russell, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Graveside Service will be held on Monday, October 14, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Friendswood Friends Cemetery 502 South Friendswood Drive Friendswood, Texas 77546.
The family would like to thank the staff of The Cottages of Clear Lake, and the Gentiva Hospice group and nurse Nikki who provided such great care.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Alzheimer’s Association would be appropriate: https://act.alz.org/donate
Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Jeter Memorial Home at www.jeterfuneralhome.com.
3 thoughts on “Melvin Curtis Russell”
Papaw you were the best. Great memories of times at the beach, Easter egg hunts, so many claw machine animals for the grands. So many funny songs you sang to us all and back in the day that big video camera in our faces all the time. Just great memories. We love you and miss you, but will see you again in the Glory Land.
I am writing this from my parents, Jean & Chuck Bump. They have probably already greeted you in heaven and ya'll had a big fish fry too. They had so many wonderful memories of times they spent with you and your wife. Thank you for your friendship with my parents as it meant so much to them. Prayers to your family during this time.
Mel/Dad/Papaw:
I am so thankful to have married into your family! You always treated me like a daughter rather than an in-law! It took several years of knowing you before I could tell if you were telling a legitimate story or one of your famous jokes! You got me many times! lol
One of my favorite memories of our time together is when you and I drove all the way to California with Travis and Curtis to see Clint! There were many fishing trips and fish fries accompanied by much laughter and a different lesson in Biology (every time we pulled up an unfamiliar fish)! I loved the fiddler crab races with your grandkids, and I love you!