Ira Russell's Obituary
Funeral for Ira William Russell will be at 12:30 pm Saturday, September 8, 2018 at Floral Haven Funeral Home in Broken Arrow Oklahoma with Harley Davidson, minister of Western Hills Church of Christ in Lawton OK.Ira W Russell, 77, passed Monday evening, September 3, 2018, at home in Lawton, Oklahoma. He was born April 20, 1941 to Otis and Lovay (Cowen) Russell in Paden, Oklahoma, both who preceded him in death. Ira grew up in Paden and Tulsa. He graduated from Central High School in 1960. Ira met the love of his life, Mariena Lynn Keeley, through his sister and cousin. They were married June 1, 1963.In the 60’s, Ira enjoyed the Tulsa stockcar races and working on a pit crew. Ira and Mariena had two children, Lorie and Donald. Ira enjoyed camping with the family. He was a Scout Leader and Soccer coach for Donald and would travel across the state, just to watch Lorie perform in a football half-time performance. He was the happiest when he was with his family.Ira had a long career as a printer at Safeway/Homeland for 40 years. His work transferred him from Tulsa to Oklahoma City in 1983. Mariena and him retired in May 2008 and they began their full-time travels in the RV from North Carolina to Florida and across the United States to California. Ira’s favorite destinations were to the mountains in Colorado and to the National Parks and canyons of Arizona. He enjoyed taking his jeep and going sight seeing. He would take pictures of all the places they traveled.He stopped wearing his watch when he retired. He loved to sit outside and read a good Tom Clancy novel or sit and watch a classic western on television.Ira was a loving son, brother, husband, father, papa and uncle and friend.He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mariena Keeley Russell of Lawton; Daughter, Lorie Russell of Lawton; Son, Donald Russell and wife, Deyanira of Pensacola, Florida. Grandchildren Kaycee Hood, Trevor Hood and fiancé’, Julia Welsh, Alex Rodriguez and Matthew Russell. Great Grandchildren, Madison Conrad, Kimber Conrad and Hesston Hood. Sister, Esta Russell of Tulsa, Sister, Virginia and husband, Russell Yerton of Tulsa, Brother, Omer and wife, Karen Russell of Tulsa. He had many cousins, nieces and nephews.Visitation will be held at Floral Haven Funeral Home on Friday, September 7, from 6 pm – 8 pm.
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