Austin Lavel Russell, 90, of Wabash, Indiana, died at 11:55 am, Thursday, December 19, 2024, at Wellbrooke of Wabash. He was born on April 4, 1934, in Tupelo, Mississippi, to William B. and Velma V. (Goggans) Russell.
Austin was a 1953 graduate of Wabash High School. He married Janice Richwine at the Wabash Christian Church on August 22, 1953. Austin worked at Fisher Body in Marion, retiring after 30 years, and also was a corporate pilot and Flight Instructor. He was a member and elder of the Wabash Christian Church. Austin enjoyed flying, traveling, woodworking, and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Janice Russell of Wabash; four children, Rod (Susan) Russell of Gunnison, Colorado, Melanie (Randy) King of Wabash, Tim (Tami) Russell of South Burlington, Vermont, and Beth (Sam) Berry of Trafalgar, Indiana; 11 grandchildren, Carrie (Andrew) Brunson, Matthew (Molly) Russell, Haley Russell, Shawnna (Mitch) Meyer, Candace Brown, Austin (Sarah) Carrothers, Lindsay (Blaine) Hastings, Tyler Russell, Erica (Nick) Lattimore, Elizabeth (Brett) Rynerson, and Tony Priola; 19 great grandchildren; sister, Bonnie (Bud) Pressler of Lagro, Indiana; and his brother, Randy Russell of Leesville, South Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Emily Priola; great grandson, Micah Carrothers; brother, Hansel Russell; and three sisters, Joyce Russell, Sharlene Stover, and Ella Mae Burns.
Funeral services will be private at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, with Rev. Ron Zorn officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Lawns Cemetery, Wabash.
Preferred memorial is Wabash Christian Church, 110 W. Hill Street Wabash, IN 46992.
The memorial guest book for Austin may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.
