Haston C. Russell, 90, of Paxton, FL, passed away June 20, 2006 at his home. He was born pril 12, 1916 to Lonzo and Della Russell. Russell had been a resident of Walton County since 1956 moving from Geneva County, AL. He was a farmer his entire life except the time he served in the Army during World War II. He enjoyed his days spent tilling the soil and watching crops and livestock grow. Many of his years as a farmer, he worked at the Paxton Livestock Market. It was during this era that mechanization and advancement in crops and livestock yields made it possible 98% of Americans may choose other occupations besides farming. Russell enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandkids and great-grandkids.
Russell was preceded in death by his parents, Lonzo and Della Russell; three brothers, Nathan Russell of Pensacola, FL, Clifton Russell of Ft. Walton Beach, FL, and Cleveland Russell of Virginia Beach, VA; three sisters, Myrtle Davis of Lakewood, FL, Bertha Morris of Lake Wales, FL, and Ruby Sellers of Mobile, AL; granddaughters, Remonda Geoghagan and Kimberly Joyce Russell, both of Paxton.
Russell is survived by his wife of 64 years, Maggie Irene Russell; one brother, Chester Russell of Florala; four daughters, Gerturde Geoghagan and husband, Leroy, Jean Braswell and husband, Derry, Martha Jo Bedsole and husband, Ronnie, of Paxton, and Marie Holland and husband, David, of Lockhart, AL; four sons, Wyman and wife, Janie, Charles and Earlies of Paxton, and Odon and wife, Marsha, of DeFuniak Springs, FL. Russell was also survived by 18 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.
Words cannot express how thankful the family is for the love and care given by Mrs. Julia Jackson, Ms. Vernell Wilkins, Mrs. MaryAnn Martin, and the late Elmira Larkins, during his lengthy illness. In addition, much thanks goes to the staff of Hospice of Emerald Coast for their love and support.
Funeral services were held on June 23, 2006 at Evans Funeral Home with Rev. William Aplin, Rev. James Pickron, and Rev. Bill Eddins officiating.
Those asked to served as pallbearers were his grandsons, Kevin, Kelby, and T.W. Russell, Leron Geoghagan, Woodrow Braswell, Chris Bedsole, and Jared Leddon.
Burial followed in the Paxton Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Emerald Coast, 2529 S. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview, FL 32536 or a charity of choice.
[Source: The DeFuniak Springs Herald, June 29, 2006, Page 7-B]
[Burial: Paxton Cemetery, Paxton]