It is difficult to summarize 96 years of a life well-lived and a life of someone well-loved. Vernie Eugene Russell was born to James Samuel Russell and Macy Evelyn Hildreth Russell Fulton on January 2, 1927 in Chouteau, Oklahoma. He had an older brother, James Travis Russell, and younger sister, Ruby Louise Russell Gandall. Vernie was one of the last remaining of his generation, having been preceded in death by his parents, siblings, wife, son, and a host of other family members and friends. Five years ago he lost his wife of 56 years, Margaret Allene Sumpter Russell, and last year he lost his son, James Sumpter Russell.

Vernie joined the Army in 1945 at the age of 18. At the end of World War II, he was assigned to the Army of Occupation in Germany. After his discharge from the Army, he returned to Oklahoma and took some business administration classes at the Oklahoma A&M College School of Technical Training in Okmulgee, and later took more classes at Oklahoma City University. He was living in Oklahoma City in 1952 when he began employment with Amoco, Standard Oil of Indiana. He maintained employment with Amoco for more than thirty-seven years before retiring as an accountant in 1986. He was transferred from Oklahoma City to Tulsa in the 1960s and lived in Tulsa for nearly 50 years. He was very active in his church and volunteered his time for many years teaching Sunday School and helping serve meals to grieving families during funerals. He spent the last decade of his life living in Fort Gibson with his daughter, Shelley, and his three grandchildren Cody, Hunter, and Madeline.

Vernie recently celebrated his 96th birthday with his family, most notably, his great grandchildren Reid, Hudson, and Sunday Rose. He passed away on January 26, 2023. He was known by all for his sweet disposition, his kindness, and his strong faith. Although he will be deeply missed by his family members and extended family- too numerous to name- and scores of friends, he gave his loved ones the gift of the assurance that he is with the Lord.

Viewing will be 10AM-8PM, Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at Moore's Southlawn. Funeral Service will be 10:00 A.M., Thursday, February 2, 2023 at Moore's Southlawn Chapel, 9350 E. 51st, Tulsa, OK. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233