Eugene Russell
Eugene Russell, 92, of Llano died June 7, 2012. He was born in Del Rio on March 10, 1920, to Rex and Myrtle Slaughter Russell.
He graduated from Del Rio High School in 1939 and attended Tarleton State University in Stephenville on a football scholarship. He played with a leather helmet under the coaching direction of Gen. Earl Rudder, the future president of Texas A&M University.
In 1942, he enlisted in the Army in what would later be called the Army Air Corp. He served in the 82nd Fighter Group, 96th Fighter Squadron as crew chief on the P38 Lightning during which he was responsible for maintaining the planes. He served in England, North Africa, Sicily and Italy.
After two years in service, he returned home and married his sweetheart, Bettye Louise Burnett, on Jan. 28, 1945 in Denton. His love of her began during school in Del Rio after watching her play tennis with a friend and continued growing through 67 years of marriage.
His life revolved around his wife. At 92, he still held her hand and his eyes still sparkled when he said, “I married her in World War II.”
After their wartime wedding, he returned to duty overseas until Victory in Europe Day in May 1945, at which time the couple moved to Lubbock, where he attended Texas Tech College and received his Bbachelor’s degree in agriculture education. During this time, he worked at a creamery and ate vanilla ice cream every day since.
After graduating college in 1947, he and his wife moved to Castell, where he taught returning veterans vocational skills. In 1951, he started work at Llano Independent School District as a vocational agriculture teacher. In 1954, he attained his Masters of Education at Texas A&M University. He worked for 30 years, retiring in 1980.
He influenced the lives of many students and their parents. He and his students completed numerous projects at the community center, the veterinary clinic and at the first building at which he taught school in Castell. The work was made possible through many barbecue fundraisers at which he perfected his famous barbecue sauce — tart and spicy and not to be used as a gravy.
He received many conservation awards and worked with many FFA projects though the years. In 1960, his livestock judging team won the Houston Fat Stock Show. The team consisted of his son Derral, Randy Leifeste and J P Dodgen. He also had a livestock judging team that went to a national contest.
After retirement, he spent much time doing things he loved — hunting, fishing and traveling. The couple wore out three recreational vehicles and visited all 49 mainland states and Canada.
He was a member of Lutie Watkins Memorial United Methodist Church since the 1960s and served as a trustee, Sunday school teacher, Sunday school superintendant for 12 years, worked with the youth and completed many projects.
He was active in the community including as the president of the Lions Club, a member of the Jaycees, a member of the city council, president of the Parent Teachers Association and more. In 1955, he was named Outstanding Citizen of the Year by the Llano County Farm Bureau. In 1977, he was named Citizen of the Year by the Llano Chamber of Commerce. In 2006, he was inducted into the Llano High School Hall of Fame as the Humanitarian of the Year.
His heart showed his love in teaching and in family. In his own words at a lay witness retreat, he wrote what he felt were his best qualities: Find good in everybody. Help without recognition. If it is broke … fix it.
In addition to his wife, survivors include sons Derral and wife Sharan of Kenedy, Bryan and wife Vicki of Magnolia, Bruce and wife Janie of Port Aransas and Dale and wife Cheri of Frisco; 13 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and daughter-in-law Bitsy Russell.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Lottie, Christine, Flora and Fannie; grandson Cody Ryan Russell; and son David Aubrey Russell.
Visitation was June 10. A service is 1 p.m. June 11 at Lutie Watkins Memorial United Methodist Church in Llano with the Rev. Stan Troy officiating. Burial will follow at Llano City Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Lutie Watkins Memorial United Methodist Church.