Don Russell
Don Richard Russell, 86 passed away peacefully at his home on May 18, 2020. He was born on December 12, 1933 to Lew Cary Russell, Sr and Rose Catherine Hebert Russell in Beaumont, Texas.
Don graduated high school from St. Anthony’s High School in 1952. He then attended Lamar College, where he received a business degree in August of 1965. This degree took 10 years to complete as he was starting his family, ranching and farming all at the same time. He was the first in his family to receive a college degree. After he stopped farming and ranching, he went back to further his education. In 1992, he received his Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor degree, this was his true calling. For all who knew Don, knew of his unconditional love and tolerance for others. He was always there to lend an ear and give the best advice in all situations. He retired from the Chambers County Adult Probation Office in 2003. Throughout the years, Don helped countless individuals turn their lives around. For this he will always be remembered.
Don was an amazing cook. He loved to feed all of his cattle and farming crews daily. In true old school farming fashion, all meals were served with rice, whether it needed it or not. When asked for a recipe, he always said, “I don’t have one, I just throw it in the pot.”
Don was an avid history fanatic and spent countless hours remembering and documenting his family tree. His love for his family, past and present, was very strong and always documented in pictures, stories and books. He had a camera for every event, big or small, and took thousands of pictures of everyone and everything he could. He spent countless hours at libraries, museums, or just reading books about wars and history, especially World War II. He was also a member of the Texas Society Sons of the American Revolution.
Don was a devoted Catholic. He rarely missed a mass and was still receiving communion and reciting the rosary until his last days.
Survivors include his daughters, Laure Law and husband Gregg of Hamshire, Stephanie Devillier of Anderson; son, David Russell and wife Beth of Mont Belvieu. Grandchildren, Amy Hamilton and husband Skipper of Stowell, Barrett Law and fiance Tiffany of Vidor, Kade and Caroline Russell of Mont Belvieu, Cash, Catherine, and Colton Devillier of Anderson. Great-Grandchildren, Journey and Bo Hamilton of Stowell, Hayden, Paxton, and Liam Law of Vidor. Brother Lew Cary “Poncho” Russell and wife Patty of Beaumont and sisters, Betty Sue “Susie” Russell of Houston and Catherine “Tennie” Zoch of Beaumont. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brother James Scott “Jamey” Russell, daughter Catherine Mary Russell, and son-in-law Kyle Devillier.
The family would like to send a sincere thank you to Brenda Burmaster, Nikki Richard, Texas Total Care Hospice & Dr. Levine & staff for their loving care of Don in final months.
A Rosary for Mr. Russell will be recited at 5:00 p.m., with a gathering of family and friends to follow, Wednesday, May 20, 2020, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 21, 2020, at Broussard’s, with his interment to follow at Magnolia Cemetery, Beaumont. Please follow social distancing guidelines.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Museum at Wallisville, PO Box 16 Wallisville, Texas 77597.
Video
Magnolia Cemetery
Magnolia Cemetery
- 2291 pine st beaumont tx 77703
Funeral Service
Funeral Service
- 2000 mcfaddin avenue beaumont tx 77701
- 05/21/2020
- 10:00 am
Rosary with a gathering of family and friends to follow
Rosary with a gathering of family and friends to follow
- 2000 mcfaddin street beaumont tx 77701
- 05/20/2020
- 5:00 pm
Broussard's Mortuary - McFaddin Avenue
Broussard's Mortuary - McFaddin Avenue
- 2000 mcfaddin avenue beaumont tx 77701
Comments
Sam Serio
Always enjoyed time spent visiting with Don. RIP Don !
Chip Richardson
Don Russell was a Beautiful person who touched so many people's lives. He helped so many....Don was a great inspiration to me and so many others. My prayers go out to his family and many friends. A life well lived. Rest in peace Mr. Don Russell.
Chuck Viator
Don Russel was a wonderful person who touched so many hearts with his kindness for others and will be missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest In Peace Mr. Don
Malcolm Rollins
Such a great guy . Growing up if I needed a place to hunt or fish he never said no. If he was on his porch next to state farm office I would try to stop and visit for a few minuets . His stories were incredible . So sorry for your loss
Steve Kole
I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to Don's Family. Don was a Dear Friend and we go back a long ways. In the 1960s our Rice Farms cooperated in helping each other to our mutual benefits. In later years we continued to visit and I was impressed and supportive of Don's work in counseling others in helping them to turn their lives around. Don will be missed! May you Rest In Peace Don!
Brent Ainsworth
Thanks Mr. Don! If I ever create a list of greatest mentors in my life, rest assured you'll be in the top 10! You're wisdom and spirit will remain with us always! Rest well sir!
Rocco and MaryAnn
Don was one of the best examples of a truly selfless person. We were blessed to have known him. He will truly be missed. He saved many lives and reunited many families. Never heard him say a negative comment! Our condolences to the family.
Leah Russell
I have lots of memories of Uncle Don from reunions at the farm and my curiosity about his combine to his hard work with Aunt Susie in researching our family trees. But more importantly and telling of his character were the words he spoke to me at a family reunion at the K.C. Hall in Beaumont. He told me, "I love you Leah and I like you." A lot of people say that to a person, and at the same time, none so sincere as he. That's Uncle Don. A good, gracious, sincere and kind man.
Betty Peebles
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Your dad was a nice person.
Markus Carter
Don was the ultimate example of selflessness, kindness and love. Always had a kind word for everyone. He helped me so much and I will miss him dearly. Thank you Don for all you did and for helping so many.
Alvin & Alice Simon
Our condolences to all Don's family. He was the nicest and friendliest person. Will miss seeing him at mass on Saturday evenings. Have heard so many good things about over the years. He will be deeply missed. RIP Don.
Allison Getz
I will forever be grateful for Don's friendship and his ability to show anyone how to help themselves. His love and compassion for his family was evident and spread throughout the community that needed him. We will miss his thoughtful words and supportive hugs. I am thankful he was part of my life.
Gerald Richardson
Don was a good man, a joy to be with and a man willing to do whatever he could to help others asking nothing in return. In the process of living like that he helped and endeared himself to countless people. What a great legacy to leave behind. I'll miss hearing from you on Wednesday mornings, Don!
Daniel & Paula Jeans
rip out friend. You made the world a better place and our lives are blessed by having your friendship.
Russell & Mary Simon
Mr. Don was truly a caring, friendly and Christian man! Someone you could set and talk to for hours. We will miss him. Ma y the Lord grant the family comfort and peace with the knowledge that Mr. Don is walking and talking with the Lord.!