Kenneth Russell, Jr.

Kenneth “Ken” “Rusty” Carl Russell, Jr., 71, of San Marcos, Texas passed away Sunday, August 21, 2022 after a long illness. He was born July 13, 1951 in Mount Clemens, Michigan to USAF Ret. Major Kenneth “Russ” Carl and Frances “Penny” Grace (McClelen) Russell.

Growing up Rusty and his sisters lived in San Antonio; Duluth, Minnesota; Itazuke, Japan and settled down in San Antonio, Texas. While in the Navy he married and divorced Janet Russell and later married Marra Russell.

He graduated from Thomas A. Edison High School in 1970, earned an Associate Degree at San Antonio College and attended Southwest Texas State University.

Ken enlisted in the US Navy in San Antonio, Texas on March 21, 1974. Chief Petty Officer Russell retired with an Honorable Discharge at Naval Base San Diego on May 31, 2001 after serving 27 years and 2 months. He retired with a rank of E-7 and rating of Electronic Warfare Technician. His last assignment was aboard the USS Mobile Bay (CG-53). While in the Navy he received numerous Awards, Commendations and Medals and was assigned to numerous ships and stations. In 2003 he returned to Texas and was employed by San Marcos CISD for 2 years. In December 2005 Ken was hired as a Security Guard at Texas State University (formally Southwest Texas State University) and retired April 30, 2018.

He enjoyed playing with his dogs, maintaining his automobiles, playing Bingo and watching Sherlock Holmes and Perry Mason movies.

Survivors are his daughter Bonnie Russell (Daniel Legaspi), son Zachary Moynahan; sisters Gail Colbath, son Mitchell (Shanon) Colbath; Sharon (Nick) Nusbaum, daughter Jennifer (Marcus) Ethridge; his dog Quincy and numerous cousins, great nieces and nephews. Additionally, his stepmother Elizabeth D. Russell, son Robert Sanders; daughters Linda Revere; Jeanne (Mario) Thuraisamy, son Joseph Thuraisamy.

He is joining his parents in Heaven, dogs Evie and Ginger and a host of grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Memorial service with Full Military Honors will be held on Monday, October 31st at 10 a.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Shelter #1, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, Texas.

In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial contribution to Diamond Dachshund Rescue of Texas (ddrtx.org) or a charity of your choice.

USS Mobile Bay (CG-53) is a Ticonderoga class guided-missile cruiser.

Ships Motto: “Full Speed Ahead”