Birth date: Nov 14, 1928 Death date: Jul 18, 2019
Leon Woods Russell, 90, resident of Keller, TX, passed away July 18, 2019 peacefully in his home with loved ones by his side. He was born November 14, 1928 in Cooke County, TX the first child of Ruel and Sibyl Russell in the tiny Read Obituary
On behalf of the Reserve Officers Association of the US and Department of Texas we offer our sincere condolences to the family of Leon Russell. A true patriot who served honorably in the US Army and mentored countless soldiers to excel in all they did. His passion continued after retiring from the military by volunteer work and leadership roles with ROA at local and state levels for many years. Thank you for your service. You will be missed and we salute you.
Randy always speaks with such fondness of his adventures with his Dad and with pride of the strong work ethic his Dad instilled in him. He will live in your heart and mind forever Randy. My condolences to you, and the rest of the family. Rest in peace Mr. Russell.
What a remarkable person. I was blessed to get to know him and his sweet daughter Gayla, through all his efforts toward shedding light on the great hanging tragedy.
I have heard many stories of Mr Russell from his son Randy . I remember the story of their road trip to Alaska and how much fun they had together . May his soul rest in peace .
I have heard many stories through the years from his son, Randy. By all accounts he was an accomplished man and loving father who instilled a strong work ethic, and love of knowledge, in his children.
Prayers for strength to you Randy and your family. May God receive your father where there’s no pain or suffer. Rest in peace Mr. Russell.
I’m so very sorry for you loss Randy. Mourn the Loss but, Cherish the Memories.
Mr. Leon Russell was truly a man for all seasons. We did not know you until later in your life, but you have been an inspiration to all the descendants of those who were murdered in 1862. We thank you for your empathy and hard work toward a fitting memorial in their honor. May you rest in peace.
All of us should aspire to leave the world a better place than it was when we found it. Leon is one of the rare few who made a lasting impact by righting a longstanding wrong. The silence concerning the Great Hanging had gone on far too long when Leon, at an age when most men have settled into retirement, decided something had to be done. With his wife Jean by his side, Leon single-handedly moved the issue forward by planting forty-two white crosses on the empty landscape of a small park in Gainesville, which was intended to house a memorial but had remained undeveloped. With him, I believe there would be no memorial to the victims of the Great Hanging there today, but there it is. And with it is a bell to be tolled every October, so that we don’t ever forget them, or Leon. I know he is again with Jean, together in a heaven they so richly deserve. Vaya con Dios.
Leon, first you were a new next door neighbor. Then you were a friend. Then you were a great friend to us. We will always recall the many times we had together, from simple conversations at your home, Rosie’s Diner for a treat, or for a jam session. As a fellow retired member of the military, even though you teased me about being USAF and not USA, we shared many a great story and times. We recall the fine evenings with you and Jean at the Dallas Military Ball and the Reserve Officers Association meetings. Even though we moved away, we never lost contact and that meant a lot to us. Our visits and calls were always special to us. I salute you on your final flight. May the wind lift your wings, may the sun always shine on your face, and when you reach out to touch the hand of God, your final landing will be forever blessed.
