Don Lee Russell, 68, was born August 9, 1951 to Simon and Ruby Lee Russell in Greenwood, Mississippi. Don grew up in Greenwood, Mississippi and attended Threadgill High School. After high school, Don joined the United States Navy in 1969. He traveled extensively with the military until his honorable discharge in 1974. He then relocated back to Greenwood, Mississippi, where he went to work as a local fireman. He later relocated to Lawton, Oklahoma and continued his career as a firefighter. Over the years he would explore several career opportunities as a truck driver, and Civil Service employment. In 1985, Don met and married the love of his life, Stephanie Renia Rouse. To this marriage, Don and Stephanie welcomed four children. Together they established a home in Lawton, Oklahoma. Don loved all types of sports. He loved playing dominoes, fishing, traveling, listening to music, and spending time with his family. Don was affiliated with the Rising STAR Lodge #18 where he served with pride and honor as a Mason. He was also a Shriner serving with Menes Shrine Temple #32. He dutifully served in many positions and spent many hours volunteering and enjoying his friends.
He is proceeded in death by both parents, Simon and Ruby Russell. Don leaves to cherish his memories; a loving wife of the home, Stephanie; two daughters, Ashley Russell and Monica Cook of Lawton; two sons, Raymond Russell of Greenville, Mississippi and Derrius Rouse of Houston, Texas; seven siblings, Addie Russell of Chicago, IL, Lynn Russell Womack of Chicago, IL, Denise and Willie Taylor of Greenwood, Mississippi, Victoria Russell of Dallas, Texas, Raymond and Teolar Russell of Cache, Ok; Rodger and Laverne Russell of Labanon, IL, and Dennis and Mary Russell of Greenwood, Mississippi; a devoted mother-in-law, Ruby Rouse of Lawton, Ok; seven grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.