Ralph Russell

Ralph L. Russell, 89, previously of Fort Davis, passed away September 24, 2013 at Chistus Santa Rosa Health System in New Braunfels, Texas.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at Hillcrest cemetery in Fort Davis, Texas. Alpine Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Russell was born in Bidville, Arkansas on January 7, 1924. A 1942 graduate of Monument New Mexico High School, Russell entered the Army at Fort Sam Houston in November of 1942, serving in the 78th Infantry Division in Europe and receiving the Combat Infantrymans Badge and the Bronze Star medal. He saw service in England, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany including service in Berlin.

He was discharged a sergeant at Camp Fannin in Tyler in January 1946, the same year
he enrolled in Texas Tech University. He was graduated three years later in 1949 with a BBA and a major in commercial teaching.

On May 20, 1950 he and Margaret Jarratt were married, and later that year he began teaching in Fort Davis as a business teacher.

In 1952, Russell received his Masters in education from Sul Ross State University.

Included in his 36 years at Fort Davis are 14 years as elementary principal, five years as junior high school coach and five years as yearbook sponsor. He retired from the school district in May of 1986. He always enjoyed his students and continued to substitute teach until 2000.

He also worked 10 summers at Fort Davis National Historic Site.

He is survived by his daughter Myra Jean and son in law Johnny Harvey of New Braunfels, Texas. Granddaughters Kristina Herrera, Lindsey Buchanan and three great granddaughters.

Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society and First Baptist Church of Fort Davis, Texas.

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