Laurence Gibson Russell

Laurence Gibson (Larry) Russell, devoted husband, loyal friend, beloved father and loving grandfather, passed away peacefully at home on October 7, 2020. He was 86 years old.

Larry was born in LaJunta, Colorado on December 5, 1933 to Oscar and Veva Russell. He was the fifth of six children. Larry was raised in Clayton and graduated from Clayton High School in 1951. He was a student athlete who excelled in football and track, medaling in New Mexico's State High School Track meet. Larry met his future wife Betty June Bobbitt in high school.

In 1961, Larry joined the Amarillo Police Department. He was a police officer for 17 years and attained the rank of Lieutenant. Larry was a homicide detective who solved many high profile murders and empathized deeply with victims of violence.

On leaving the Amarillo Police Department, Larry joined Santa Fe Railroad's security division, where he helped investigate train derailments, thefts, and other crimes against the railroad. Larry led his fellow security officers in their successful quest, through litigation, which allowed them to resign from the railroad union. He retired after 20 years.

Larry and Betty were happily married for 60 years. When Betty was diagnosed with a long-term illness, Larry devoted his life to caring for her. He did everything that he could do to meet her needs and insure that she was comfortable. Larry missed her intensely after her passing in 2013 and looked forward to joining her in the afterlife.

Larry was an active and loving father, grandfather and great grandfather. His five children, seven grandchildren and many nieces and nephews will remember him as a fun-loving prankster, great mimic, entertaining storyteller, and someone they could take their problems to with assurance that he would help them through.

Larry was a member of Highland Christian Church. He was a loyal member who served the church in any way that he could. He often mowed lawns and did other chores for members who could not do those things themselves.

Larry is survived by his daughter Larrilyn Reissig and husband Mike and their daughter Kate of Austin; his daughter Terri Calverley and husband Ted of Arlington, their daughter Taylor Morgan and husband Daniel and children Maisy, Eleanor and Ender Jack, daughter Tracie and son Troy, daughter Rhonda Russell of Amarillo; his son Travis Russell and wife Yvonne of San Antonio and their daughter Elizabeth and sons Matthew and Luke; his son Tom Russell and wife Robin of San Antonio; his brother Ted of New Mexico, his sister Beulah (Bootsie) Keener of Colorado and Pearl Russell, wife of his late brother Oscar of Washington and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank BSA Hospice Team, particularly Melissa, for their excellent care and the support they provided during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers a donation in Larry's name to Wounded Warriors would be appreciated.

Visitation and memorial service will be at LaGrone Blackburn Shaw Funeral Directors at 8310 S. Coulter Rd. on October 24, 2020 at 2:00 pm.