Roger C. Russell

ROGER CLAYTON RUSSELL was born on July 1, 1957, to Robert “Bobbie” and Carol (Ligget) Russell in Belle Fourche, South Dakota. After graduation, he furthered his education as he studied to become an airplane mechanic, one of his proudest achievements. Roger had a lifelong passion for planes and had begun building his own. He was very skilled with engines and applied his mechanical knowledge to many different vocations. His natural ability coupled with his training made him a most valuable asset in maintaining everything from heavy equipment to computers. His work history included early work with the railroad, in the oil field and as an iron worker in the Wyoming area. He went on to work for many years with Luverne Trucking Equipment in the maintenance department.

Roger was a talented mimic with his singing voice which earned him the nickname “Leon” for his impersonation of the famous Leon Russell.

Roger battled cancer with a brave face for six years. He commonly encouraged his family to appreciate the life they were blessed with and loved ones surrounding them by preaching that the one known in life is “nobody gets out of here alive.” On Monday, June 21, 2021, he fully accepted that fact when the Lord called him home and was free from his pain. He passed away at the Sanford Luverne Hospital in Luverne, Minnesota at the age of 63 years, 11 months, and 20 days. Despite his stoic exterior, his family knew his heart was truly kind. He cared deeply for his loved ones and, even if he wouldn’t admit it, the pets.

Roger is survived by his wife, Charlotte of Hills, Minnesota; sons, Jacob and Ronnie (Adriana Medina); daughter, Amanda; grandson, Devin; granddaughter, Elizabeth; two sisters, Donna Jones and Lynell Jackson; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother, Ronnie.