Russell Warren Hanby's Obituary
Russell Warren Hanby, 40, a Tulsa native, died unexpectedly of natural causes on December 4, 2025. His final day was one of routine but also family, comfort, and love. He worked at the job he enjoyed, shared a meal with his beloved wife and son, and laid down to sleep in his own bed, in the home he had made for himself and his family.
Self-assured, opinionated, unfiltered, and outspoken, Russell was a man in full, a giant blue star whose life burned bright, hot, and way too fast. A keen observer of the world’s complicated and cruel absurdity, Russell never missed an opportunity to crack an off-color joke, often at the expense of someone or something that deserved it. Like Monty Python, he reveled in the awkwardness and futility of everyday life.
Despite his larger-than-life demeanor, Russell embraced humanity’s contradictory nature. His friends and family knew him to be gentle, compassionate, generous, thoughtful, loyal, and eager to love and be loved. He was also smart, techy, nerdy, self-reliant, and political. He loved science fiction and low-budget horror movies.
Born to parents Dennis Keith and Edna Sue (Wing) Hanby, Russell grew up in Tulsa. He made lifelong friends as early as elementary school. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 2003 and earned some college credits at the Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology in Okmulgee. He built a career in information technology, working for several companies over the years. He loved his final job at the Tulsa Zoo, working on computers and installing cameras that allowed the public to view the animals virtually.
Russell married the love of his life, Aubree (Hoover) Hanby, in 2016, and they had one son, Warren Cooper Hanby, in 2018. The family shared a home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
Russell belonged to a tight-knit circle of friends who got together every Tuesday night, first at the bar for trivia nights, then game nights at home, then—after everyone started having kids—weekly potluck dinners. While most people’s childhood friends slowly drift apart, Russell’s friends remained constant.
Russell is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by Aubree and Warren, his sisters Lanette Clark and Ashley Scanlon, his aunt Kim Moretto, and countless friends and family.
Russell’s Celebration of Life Gathering will be held Friday, December 12, 2025, from 3 – 5 p.m. at Floral Haven Family Center, 6420 S. 129th E Avenue, in Broken Arrow. Following the service, a reception will be held at the home of Bernard Clark and Shannon Hackett, 6515 S. Oswego Ave., in Tulsa.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Tulsa Zoo or a charity of your choice.
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