Edward Eugene Russell
First Sergeant, USMC (Retired)
In the early morning hours of September 21, 2010, Ed lost his 13 year battle with cancer.
His journey on Earth ended with his loving family at his side. He was then most assuredly welcomed into Heaven by his Father Forrest, his eldest brother Frosty, and his grandson Rory Deans.
A twenty one year career in the Marine Corps, including two tours in Vietnam, led him up and down the West Coast. During this time he met his wife Laura, and married her in July of 1974. Shortly after retiring from the Marines, he moved his family to Hollister in the summer of 1989. Here, he worked at San Benito Foods in several capacities until his official retirement in January of this year. During this time he added many people to his endless list of friends, and his family continued to grow. His daughter Jocelyn married Raymond Deans in November of 1994, and gave birth to three grandchildren; Elena, Eva, and Rory Deans. His eldest son Eddy married Arpie Tascian in June of 2008. His youngest son Erik married Carlie Seiler in October of 2008, and is expecting his forth grandchild in January of 2011.
In his final days he was visited by, or in correspondence with, many friends and family from all over the country to say their goodbyes. During this time, there was a tremendous out pouring of faith, hope, and love, which has eased the pain of his family.
His family would also like to thank the countless doctors and nurses, from Monterey to San Francisco that took such great care of him, and gave us the addition thirteen years, and many great memories with the man that so many people loved.
His sense of humor, candor, and unconditional love will forever be missed.
Church services will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Hollister Tuesday October 5, 2010, at 11:00 A.M., followed by graveside services at the San Joaquin National Cemetery at 2:00 P.M., and a reception at The Vault in Hollister from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.
Condolences: www.blackcoopersander.com
