Roger Dean Russell

Roger Dean Russell was born on May 27, 1935 in Kentucky. He was the 6th of 13 children in the family of Delmas Delford Russell and Portia Gladys Green Russell. He was born in Kentucky and raised in Tennessee. After attending school, he enlisted in the US Air Force and was an aerial photographer, this is how is came to Washington. He met and married Rosalie Yvonne King. She always said he looked like Elvis. They were married on October 11th in 1956. Their infant son, Roger Dean Jr. was born and died in 1958. They had 2 more children, Steven Walter and their daughter Deborah Lynn. The family lived in Shelton and Tacoma. In the early 70s, they purchased 20 acres in Graham. Later they divided the property and their grown children built their homes there. Roger and Rosalie enjoyed the wide open space near the mountain. One of Rogers passions and enjoyment was to ride his mower and make everything look nice. After he was discharged from the Air Force, he went into the vending industry as a salesman. He worked for Toms Peanuts Company, Peter Pauls Candy, Service Tobacco Co. and then started his own cigarette company R & R Vending. He later joined his business partner, Mike Barton, and they owned and operated the B & I Amusements and Triple H Amusements. From there he retired. As the children were growing up, the family enjoyed boating and camping. They often camped at Copalis Beach on the Washington coast with their long time friends Al and Ginny Wyscaver. There many fishing days on vacations, weekends, in Puget Sound and other lakes. Steven and Debbie attended Bethel High School in Spanaway, WA. Steven is a truck driver and Debbie is the Locksmith for the Bethel School District. They brought 4 grandchildren into the family. Steve has 2 children. Steven Michael, {wife Holly} Steven served in the US Marine Corps, works at Costco and attends Pierce College; and Ashley Rebecca. Ashley works at Starbucks and also attends Pierce College. Debbie has 2 children. Colten Dean,(Fiancee Kristen). Colt is a Firefighter/Paramedic for Orting Valley Fire and Rescue. Charles Sewell,(Fiancee Sarah). Charlie enlisted in the US Army and is in basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia. When Roger retired, he Rosalie sold their home and decided to travel in their motorhome and see the country. Sometime later, they returned to Graham and built a new home near their children. They were happy to be near their family. They enjoyed their grandchildren and were very proud of their activities and accomplishments. Roger enjoyed fixing things and making their home something special and attractive. They enjoyed many activities together. They had many friends and met others at the Eagles Club in Spanaway. Two years ago, it was discovered that Roger had cancer. Rosalie cared for him during his treatment and recovery.Roger beat the cancer but soon after Rosalie became ill and her health problems led to her passing away On February 8th, of this year. They had been married for 57 years. She is buried here at Calvary Cemetery. Throughout their marriage, he always called her Babe. She was always his Charming Bride. In the past few weeks, Roger began having some problems and his life came to a peaceful close on Friday, March 28, 2014 at his home in Graham. He will be remembered for his great personality, his joy in fishing, his stories and jokes and sense of humor, his love for his wife and family. He enjoyed being with friends and associates. He will always be loved and remembered by his family: His son Steven &(Paige) and his daughter Debbie; His 4 grandchildren: Stevie(Holly), Colten(Kristen), Ashley, and Charlie(Sarah); His sisters and brothers: Alex, Norma, Frankie, Wanda, Delmas, and Vicki; His nieces and nephews and other family members; His friends and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Rosalie and infant son Roger Jr. His parents and 6 of his brothers and sisters.