Theo Ted Russell

Theo Howard Russell, the son of Howard Cecil and Hazel Florence (Kempton) Russell was born May 6, 1932, in rural Adams County, near Corning, IA. Ted entered eternal rest on Thursday, June 29, 2017, at Bergan Mercy Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, at the age eighty-five years, one month, and twenty-three days.
Ted graduated from Jamaica High School, Jamaica, IA with the Class of 1950. Ted worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington D.C. for two years. During this time he met his future wife Sheila Elizabeth Clifford. They were united in marriage on July 5, 1952, in Washington D.C. They would move to Jamaica, IA to help Ted’s father farm. Ted entered the United States Army on December 9, 1952. He spent his entire time in the military in Korea during the Korean War, and was honorably discharged on November 2, 1954. Upon his discharge Sheila and Ted returned to Adams County to resume farming. They would eventually purchase the farm they had been renting from Ted’s parents and brothers. Eight children would bless this union: Kent, Ellen, Charles, Scott, Beth, Paul, Leah, and Ben. Ted sold DeKalb seed corn and also did custom farming, which included custom combining. Ted retired from farming in 1994. In the early 80’s he purchased his first computer (Tandy TRS80), working on computers became his hobby. He had many computers over the years and became proficient in computer repair. He taught computer courses and repaired many computers. Ted’s interest and knowledge in computers was impressive.
Ted was a member of the Corning American Legion OURCQ Post #117, and the Boots Bows Square Dance Club. Ted’s family was a main focus in his life and very important to him. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Left to cherish Ted’s memory are his children: Kent (Lin) Russell, Grand Canyon, AZ; Ellen (Mike) Gray, Monticello, IL; Scott Russell, Corning, IA; Beth Durham, Pleasant Hill, IA; Paul Russell, Creston, IA; Leah (Alan) Stalcup, Prescott, IA; Ben (Dana) Russell, Loup City, NE; grandchildren: Sean; Kevin; Sierra; Clay; Kendra; Lauren; Andy; Ray; Tynen; Ron, Bryce, McKenzie; Skylar, Cameron; Cole; many great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; sister: Rosemary (Donald) Messersmith, Bentonville, AR; sister-in-law: Karean Russell, Des Moines, IA; and many other relatives and friends
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Preceding Ted in death were his wife Sheila; parents: Howard and Hazel Russell; son: Charles Howard Russell; and three brothers: Robert, James, and Boyd Russell.