RUSSELL, Ray H.

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona Sunday, December 14, 2003 Ray H. Russell, 82 of Mesa, Arizona, went to be with his father on December 10, 2003. He was born in Mount Vernon, Illinois on March 12, 1921, to Fannie and Raymond Russell. He was an honest, truthful man. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Marian (Bean); three daughters, Rosalind Sue Kokos of Brazoria, Texas, her husband George; Rebecca Pannell of Phoenix, Arizona; and Ramona Rees of Flagstaff, Arizona and her husband Gene. He is also survived by 4 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He served in the Armed Services in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater in W.W.II. He was a Master Plumber, as well as a talented musician, playing professionally for many years. His passion in life was his service to the church where he taught Adult classes, led music services, participated in a TV Ministry and served as a Deacon and an Elder. He also was a leader in the establishment of a new church in Champaign, Illinois. After, served as an Elder there. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion and Elks Lodge. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Velda Rose Memorial Fund, contact Annette Bollman, 5650 E. Cicero Rd., Mesa, AZ or VFW Post 07986, 725 W. Apache Junction Trail #35, Apache Junction, AZ 85220. A memorial service will be held at 10 A.M. at Hansen's - Chapel of Prayer 108 N. 56th Street, Mesa Arizona, on December 18, 2003 and internment will be at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Cave Creek, Ariz-ona.