Russell Lowell Coffee

Russell Lowell Coffee was born on January 17, 1948, in Berkeley, CA to Elbert and Eula Faye (Curlee) Coffee (an oil refinery worker and elementary school teacher respectively). Russell had a brother who died during childbirth. Russell's parents divorced when Russell was five years old, making life very challenging for Russell and his mother. Russell grew up in various locations in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Central Valley around his cousins who were like brothers to him and it was always entertaining to hear the stories of their wild and woolly days.

Russell grew up mainly in Denair during the Rock'n'Roll era of the 1950's and '60's and later reminisced about cruising in Turlock and Modesto and would have loved his piano lessons had the prudish teacher taught him Jerry Lee Lewis songs. Although Russell loved '50's music and doo-wop, he admittedly thought he should have lived during the pioneer days and the settling of the West, and reveled in watching westerns.

After years of grueling hot summers picking berries as a youth in Denair, Russell attended Modesto Junior College (MJC) and received his A.A. degree. While attending and driving bus for MJC, one day a special lady, Lynn Drews, boarded the bus and on June 14, 1969, they wed.

The newlyweds lived in San Pablo and soon birthed a son. Russell worked while attending Golden Gate University, earning an accounting degree and eventually obtaining his CPA license, which was no small feat.

Russell went on to work for Gallo Winery in Modesto for 18 years as a CPA, handling the Gallo's personal taxes. The astute CPA was very proud when he figured out a legal method of accounting to put into practice that saved the Gallo family a lot in taxes! Early in his career, the family grew with twin girls. Soon they bought a house that they never moved from.

Russell dedicated his life to Jesus Christ in his twenties and led the family in attending First Baptist Church (now CrossPoint), and served in many roles from Sunday school teacher to head usher. Russell loved his family and always made time for his children, being home for dinner and attending a lot of the special events in his children's lives. Russell taught his family all kinds of card games and spent countless hours playing with them. He also enjoyed backpacking and outdoor adventures.

Although a CPA by trade, Russell needed a break from desk work and built houses for a few years. Russell then worked as a Controller for Western Pacific Truck School. His son graduated from the school and became a truck driver. In line with Russell's true competitive spirit, he decided to learn to drive truck as well and obtained a Commercial Driver's License of which he was equally proud of as his CPA license. Often one could hear Russell boast that he was a "Class A" driver (especially if there were any snide remarks about his driving). He remained as the company's Controller, but occasionally delivered some loads, one time forgetting he had a double-trailer and luckily only drove over an island.

Russell really enjoyed playing poker and got pretty good even winning some seats to the World Series of Poker. During retirement he would say he was now a professional poker player which made his wife a little nervous. A few years into retirement during the COVID-19 pandemic, Russell went back to work as a Non-Emergency Medical Transport Driver. At first, his motivation seemed to be defiance against the government who was telling everyone to stay home, but soon it was evident this job brought pure satisfaction and purpose to his life and his compassionate side shone through with every dialysis patient he met.

In his early 70's, Russell then decided to drive bus for the City of Modesto. It was fun to watch a white collar worker for the majority of his life, become a blue collar worker. He always came home with good stories about all the shenanigans that took place among the riders - it was quite a different clientele than he was used to.

Russell switched gears and quit driving bus when his wife suffered a brain aneurysm. He was by her side for three years lovingly taking care of her all through rehabilitation. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather until his passing on January 22, 2026. He is greatly missed.

Russell is preceded in death by his parents and his cousins. He is survived by his wife Lynn Coffee, his children Russell Coffee II, Randee Cannon, and Regina Coffee, and his grandchildren Anthony Cannon, Luke Coffee, and Liam Coffee.

Viewing: 2/6/26, 5PM to 8PM, Eaton Family Funeral, 513 12th Street, Modesto. Funeral services: 2/7/26, 1PM, Eaton Family Funeral. Graveside services: Acacia Cemetery, 801 Scenic Drive, Modesto, following the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Russell's honor to Community Hospice & Health Services or Samaritan's Purse International Relief.