Beloved husband, dad, grandpa, and great grandpa, John A. Russell passed away August 12th. He was born in Spokane Washington October 14th, 1933 to Hugh and Lucie Russell. He has one sister, Mary Jean Freese. He graduated from Rogers High School in 1952. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1953. He was part of the Signal Corps which served in Korea.  He was Honorably discharged in 1955. His children from his first marriage are, John Jr. who is married to Nedra Russell, Debbie, married to Henry LaPointe, David, married to Onanong Russell, and Dennis, married to Yanet Russell. John was an auditor for the State of Washington, living part of his life on the west side of Washington State. Later, he transferred back to Spokane, where he retired in 1995. He met his wife Sharon in 1983, they celebrated their 30th anniversary last January. He often said: “I love her so much. I don’t know what I’d do without her”. When they married, he became a father to his stepchildren Rene’, married to David Cebert, Shawn, married to Jessica Strain, and Kristi, married to Corey Edwards. He is Grandpa to Kirsten, (John & Nedra), Sarah, Tony, and Bryan (Debbie & Henry) Justin, Annita  (David & Onanong) Alex, Crystal, Nathan (Dennis & Yanet) Hannah, Bethany, Christian (Rene’ & David) Zach, Abbey (Shawn & Jessie). He is Great Grandpa to Phenix, Aleena (Bryan) Mason (Sarah), Jerry (Zach), Aubrey (Crystal) Lily (Nathan). He took his family on many “eventful”, fun vacations in campers or motorhomes. Those at home would place bets as to how long it would be before they heard about the first breakdown. There was always so much laughter with the stories told when they returned. John was a longtime member of the Hassie Car Club, and the Inland Northwest Car Club Council. He served as President, Vice president and Treasurer, he also broke many records raising money for Scholarship funds with his close friend Merrill Smith. He was the proud owner of a 1955 Packard Clipper, which he restored and entered into car shows, a 1982 El Camino, which he just finished restoring, and part owner of a 1953 Packard Caribbean Convertible, still in the process of restoration. John was fortunate to go on Honor Flight last year and had such a wonderful experience. He felt honored to be a part of the men and women with him and was awed by the monuments. He spoke often about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and he was humbled each time he was thanked for his service. John was loved so much by his family, he wasn’t a Father, he was Dad and Grandpa. When you were one of the lucky ones he let past his “grumpy” exterior, he was the most lovable softie. You knew he was always there and would fight for you, you never had to worry. He is also survived by his cat Jenny, his special kitty Gypsy, and little dog Penny. There will be a viewing on Wednesday August 23rd from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. At Hennessey’s N. Division. Funeral services are Thursday August 24th at 1:30 p.m. also at Hennessey’s N. Division 

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