Marlow, Oklahoma - Ralph Donald Russell, affectionately known as Don, entered his eternal rest Feb. 24, 2026, in Marlow, Oklahoma. He was born in Modesto, California. He lived a life firmly rooted in faith, service, and devotion to family. "Well, done good and faithful servant," Matthew 25:23 is a reflection of the life Don lived.

On Nov. 25, 1955, Don married the love of his life, Shirley Graves. Their marriage stood as a testament to God's design for love, faithful, loyal, and enduring. "What God has joined together, let no one separate," Mark 10:9.

Don was a man of many trades, known for his grit, honesty, and strong work ethic. From owning a donut shop to operating his own grading and trenching business. He was smart, confident, and dependable, a man whose word could be trusted. Above all Don was a godly man. He walked humbly with the Lord and served as a spiritual guide to many. He was understanding, welcoming, and deeply present with those around him. "As for me and my house, we serve the Lord," Joshua 24:15, was not only his belief, but his way of life.

Don loved his family deeply and cherished time spent with them, especially the children. He delighted in holding babies, sharing stories, and enjoying simple pleasures, including his favorite banana splits. He was a best friend, a steady presence, and a soul-touching example of Christlike love. "Let all that you do be done in love," Corinthians 16:14.

Don is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley Russell; his parents, Ralph Russell and Ressie Russell; his siblings Margaret Russell and James Loveland; and his grandson, Daniel Dawson.

He is survived by his daughter, Sandra Dawson and her husband Tom; his son, Bob Russell and his wife Cheryl; he is also survived by his grandchildren: Jennifer Chalecki; Stacey Corp and her husband Dusty, James Russell and his wife Rori, Cassie Smith and her husband Matthew, Rebecca Hail and her husband William, and Jacob Russell. Don leaves behind a rich legacy through his great-grandchildren: Alana MaRae, Harmony Eldridge and her husband Mark, Taylor Vinson and her husband Rowdy, Allen Corp, Josie Johnson and her husband Ryan, Kerys Ross and her husband Tyler, Zachary Corp and his fiancé Xilaly, Mason Russell and his wife Jewel, Tyler Hail, Ethan Hail, Jackson Hail, Masie Smith, Kindred Russell, Keira Corp, Reagan Russell, and Elisabeth Smith. He is also survived by his great-great-grandchildren: River Eldridge, Lakelynn Eldridge, Reese Johnson, Mercy Vinson, Aylah-Mae MaRae, Evelynn Corp, Canyon Eldridge, Stetson Ross, Saige Vinson, and Clay Eldridge.

Don's faith carried him through every season of life. He now rests in the presence of his Savior. "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord," 2 Corinthians 5:8. While his family mourns his passing, they rejoice in the promise of eternal life and the hope of reunion through Christ.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. March 7, 2026 at Glory Bound Church, 1109 N Broadway St.