William 'Dean' Russell

WILLIAM "DEAN" RUSSELL

Sigourney

Oct. 1, 1940 Feb. 4, 2021

William "Dean" Russell of Sigourney, Iowa, passed away Feb. 4, 2021, at Keokuk County Health Center.

Dean was born Oct. 1, 1940, in Davis County, Iowa, to Lee and Helen Russell. Dean was the second of nine children. His siblings were: Bonnie Griffith, Betty Forrester, Steve Russell, Cheryl Leech, Helen June Russell, John Russell, Mary Chadwick and Rose Condon.

Dean graduated from Pulaski High School in 1958. He spent his early years taking care of the family farm. He loved playing baseball. After graduation, he worked for other local farmers and then began driving a milk truck for Central Farms, which led him to later own his own bulk and canned milk trucks.

Dean enjoyed bow and target shooting. He drove a semi over the road for many years and retired from Shelman & Sons Trucking. He retired to raise his younger children on his farm in Sigourney, Iowa.

Dean married his first wife, Betty Baxter on Aug. 3, 1958. Together they raised five children: Rose Pepple, Joani Dowell, Larry Russell, Billy Russell and Peggy Grothe.

Dean later married his second wife, Linda McGlumphry, on April 6, 1985. Together they raised three children: Danny Russell, Thomas Russell and Michelle Russell.

Dean was blessed with 11 grandchildren: Amy, Kathy, Adam, Brandy, Maggie, Jackie, Mandy, Mary, Bethany, Leah and Kilee; 17 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Dean loved spending time with his family.

Dean was a devoted Jehovah Witness and enjoyed serving his church and community through fellowship and worship.

Dean was preceded in death by both parents; his wife, Linda; two sisters, Bonnie and Helen June; and son, Billy.