Douglas Russell

Luginbuel Funeral Home - Vinita - 918-256-5555.... Douglas F. Russell was born on August 9, 1929, in Claremore, OK, to Maggie Troglin and Enoch Russell. He grew up with his mother and brothers in Rose, OK as a small boy, who used to ride his horse to school every day. Douglas was drafted into the Army in December of 1950. He served two terms in Korea, and was injured twice. It was after this second injury that Douglas was asked to try for the Honor Guard at General Van Fleet's recommendation, and was successful. A fact he delighted in telling his grandchildren and anyone else who would listen, repeatedly. While serving under General Van Fleet, Douglas escorted Marilyn Monroe and Debbie Reynolds during their USO tours. He also had the honor of serving General Eisenhower prior to becoming our country's president. Doug was married to Patsy Frazier on December 10, 1954, in Adair, OK. The couple were blessed with two children; William Douglas ‘ Dougie' Russell, born in Puerto Rico in 1958, and Jeanne R. Russell, born at Ft. Sill, OK, in 1962. Tragically, they endured the loss of their son from leukemia, at the unfair age of five in 1963. Doug would go on to serve an additional two terms in the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of Sergeant First Class. He retired from the Army in 1971, a decorated officer whose medals included the Bronze Star, a Commendation Medal, and two Purple Hearts. At the encouragement of Patsy, he enrolled at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science, then Master of Education in 1978. Following his second graduation, Douglas taught history and construction technology at Rogers State College in Claremore, and NSU, until he retired again in 1987. Doug then became a full-time cattle rancher at his home in Adair, OK. He and Patsy were well-loved members of the community and their churches at United Methodist Church and Pleasant Hope Baptist Church. Their three grandchildren were raised nearby, and doted on by their grandparents. Douglas is preceded in death by his wife, Patsy Frazier Russell, of Adair; son William Douglas Russell, of Adair; brother, Earlene Russell, of Mud Lake, ID; brother, Joe ‘ Bud' Graves, of Pryor, OK; mother, Maggie Troglin Graves, of Adair; father, Enoch Columbus Russell, of San Bernardino, CA; step-father, Joe Graves, of Adair; his grandparents and other step-siblings. He is survived by his daughter Jeanne Russell Gregory and husband Len Gregory, of Adair; granddaughter, Jennifer Keller, of Tulsa; grandson, Josh Keller and wife Hanna Keller, of Jay, OK; granddaughter, Madison Keller, of Tulsa, OK; great-granddaughter, Reagan Keller, of Jay, OK; brother, Thomas Graves, of Adair, OK; brother, James Graves and wife Joan Graves, of Adair, OK; sister-in-law, Ella Rea Russell, of Mud Lake, ID; sister-in-law, Mary Lou Graves, of Pryor; brother-in-law, Tommy Frazier, of Adair, OK; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation will be held at Pleasant Hope Baptist Church, in Adair, on Thursday, July 21, 2016 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm, at 4845 W. 370 Rd., Adair, OK 74330. A luncheon will be held at Pleasant Hope, Friday, July 22, 2016 at 11:00 a.m., to be followed by services at 1:00 p.m. He will be interred immediately after at Adair Cemetery. Flowers may be sent to Luginbuel Funeral Home in Vinita, OK.

Visitation Details

Thursday, July 21st, 2016 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Pleasant Hope Baptist Church

Service Details

Friday, July 22nd, 2016 1:00pm, Pleasant Hope Baptist Church

Interment Details

Adair Cemetery