Fred Oliver Russell

Fred O. Russell “Junior” passed peacefully in his bed on May 28, 2020 with family by his side. He was born August 29, 1932 in Prosperity, PA, son of the late Fred and Effa (Ealy) Russell. He attended Trinity High School. On March 21, 1956 he married Linda (Brewer) Russell who survives him. He served in the U.S. Army as Private First Class in the Korean War from 1953-1954 where he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal. Mr. Russell retired from J&L Steel Mill in Aliquippa in 1982 after working for 33 years and was a lifelong farmer of Hereford cattle on his Prosperity farm. In addition to his wife Linda, Fred is survived by his sons Ronald (Donna) Russell of Prosperity and Randy Russell of Avella, his daughter Rebecca (James) Cox of Waynesburg, his Granddaughters Michelle (Jonathan) Markley of Claysville, Danielle Russell of Richmond TX, Melissa Cox of Mt. Pleasant SC, Melody Cox of Waynesburg, Hannah (Jacob) Puskarich of Prosperity, Amy (Matthew) Kelley of Portland OR, his Great Grandchildren Mason Markley, Paige Markley, and Sutton Puskarich, his sister Leona Stewart of Warren PA, and several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are an infant son Rex Russell, sister Arlenna Hainer, and brother Curtis Russell. Fred lived a simple life on his farm where he enjoyed chatting with anyone who drove by and was content mowing the fields on his John Deere Tractor or riding his Gator around with his Sheltie dog Raini by his side. He was proud of his children, doted on his granddaughters and raised the eldest Michelle as his daughter. The last years of his life were spent at Hawthorne Woods Assisted Living enjoying visits from his family, especially his Great Grandchildren who were the light of his life. He loved sitting outdoors, watching his bird feeders, going out to eat, and reading books and the newspaper. He enjoyed the company of other Hawthorne residents and most of all spending time with his wife of 64 years. Fred will be remembered for never knowing a stranger, for working sun up until sun down until his body wouldn’t let him anymore, and for being one of the strongest men in overcoming medical adversities - he always seemed to bounce back. For those that knew him over the years, he may have been a stubborn man and sometimes a man of few words, but the love for his family could be seen and will live on in the legacy he has left behind. The family is thankful for the loving care provided by Gateway Hospice and the nurses and aides at Hawthorne Woods. Due to crowd restriction guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control, no public visitation or services will be held. Arrangements have been entrusted to William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Ave, Washington.