Ira S. Russell, USMC (Ret), 70

Ira Stephens (Steve) Russell passed away of natural causes on April 22, 2016, at his home in Pflugerville, Texas. He lived his 70 years on this Earth to the fullest.

Steve attended North Eugene High School in Oregon, and upon graduation enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After completing an extended combat tour of duty in Vietnam, he was a Drill Instructor at MCRD San Diego.

After four years, he returned to civilian life and attended San Diego State University and attained a bachelor’s degree in English literature.

It was in San Diego that he met the love of his life and wife of 47 years, Darcy C. Buxton. They were blessed with three daughters, Joan, Adde and Jeanne.

After graduating from college, Steve returned to the Marines as an officer and served as Detachment Commander on the USS Kitty Hawk, a Rifle Company Commander, several tours as an Operations Officer and completed his service in San Antonio, Texas, as the Commanding Officer of the Recruiting Station. Before retirement in 1990, he had been selected for promotion to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

He moved to Post Falls, Idaho, where he and his best friend, Dick Everhart, established a boat repair business. Steve also tended a small farm and drove a school bus for the Post Falls School District. In 2000, he moved to Seattle, Wash., and joined a brother and sister in a remodeling business.

In 2004, Steve and Darcy moved to Pflugerville where his daughters also lived. He enjoyed early morning walks at the Recreation Center, followed by painting or quilting. He adored and was active in his two grandchildren’s lives and continued to use his construction skills in helping his daughters with home improvement projects. Steve was dedicated to family pets, and his life lately was enriched by Duffy and Abby.

He will be remembered as a loving husband, a compassionate father and grandfather, and a supportive big brother. His warm personality and great sense of humor always put people at ease. He embodied the Marine Corps motto, “Semper Fidelis” (Always Faithful), and was ever mindful of Duty, Honor, Country.

Steve is survived by his beloved wife, Darcy Russell; daughters Joan Schuster and her husband Noah, Adde Russell, Jeanne Miller and her husband Jonathon; and two grandchildren, Logan Schuster and Evelyn Miller. He is also survived by seven siblings: Margaret Ann Borden and her husband Theo, Mary Etta Russell and her spouse Miriam Black, Kathy Anderson and her husband Rick, Kent Russell and his wife Kathy Reid, Patricia Crouch and her husband Michael, Michelle Russell and Susan Russell; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Etta Margaret Russell and his father, Ira S. Russell; and brothers Ted and Kelley Russell.