SMITH - H. Russell "Russ", on Friday, September 7, 2007, peacefully began his "New Adventure" holding the hand of God. Born on January 28, 1921 to Edna Lucas and H. Russell Smith, Sr. on a working oil lease in Ranger, TX. He grew up in EL Dorado, KS and graduated from El Dorado High School, where he excelled in track, band, Boy Scouts, and making lifelong friends. While enrolled in college, WWII began and he chose to volunteer for the U.S. Navy Pilot training program. Upon graduating with his "Wings of Gold" he was assigned to VF 12 (Fighter Group). His squadron was selected to test fly the F4U Corsair including carrier qualifications. Upon completion of this duty his group was assigned to the CV3 Saratoga and saw continuous action in the South Pacific for two years. Russ remained in the USN Reserves for nearly 40 years and retired as a Full Commander on January 28, 1981. Following the war, he made full circle by returning to the oil fields with Franklin Oil Supply Company. He quickly rose through the ranks of the company by opening offices in Oklahoma City, Caraca, Venezuela, Odessa, and finally Tulsa, where he retired as Senior Vice President, Executive Sales, on January 28, 1983. Throughout his life, Russ was always drawn to the ranching life and continuously helped run the Walnut Valley Angus farms near Leon, Kansas along with his mother, Edna and his step dad, Byron Hall. His skills in accounting along with his love of the outdoors assisted in the growth of the Walnut Valley Angus Farms to become one of the largest cattle ranches in Kansas. Russ and Arlis, his wife, moved to the Lake Mannford area and later to Jenks, OK, where they made numerous friends and were active in the Methodist Church. Russ was known to have an unbridled love of life, enthusiasm, compassion and the ability to mentor people in his church. He was also blessed to be part of a group of men who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing throughout the years and he looked forward to sharing those special times. He was preceded in death by: his grandparents, J.P. and Mary Lucas; his mother, Edna Lucas Hall; his step-father, Byron L. Hall; and his brother, Floyd Lee Smith. Russ is survived by: his wife, Arlis; his 2 sons and their wives, Roger Byron (Laura Swegler) Smith, Warren Lee (Sherry) Smith; 5 grandchildren and their spouses, Lee Smith (KY), Meredyth Smith (CA), Jaclyn (Mark Richardson) Smith (WA), Jody (Lisa) Smith (AZ), and Victoria Smith (TX) and 1 great-grandchild, Gunnar Russell Smith (AZ). He also leaves 3 brothers-in-law, and 2 sisters-in-law, Cecil Blaine (TX), Victor and Arlene Terbush (OK), Al and Reeta Avery (OK), plus loving relatives and lifelong friends. His love of God, family, of life, and of aviation sum up his life. Memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m., Thursday, September 13, 2007 at Jenks, OK, First United Methodist Church. Service and burial will be held on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 in El Dorado, KS. Kirby-Morris Funeral Home, (316) 321-2260. H. Russell "Russ" Smith VIEW AND SIGN THE ONLINE GUEST BOOK: www.legacy.com/tulsaworld
This obituary was originally published in the Tulsa World.
He was my uncle that I knew when I was just really small. I've wondered all these years what had happened to him, Roger, and "Bubby". It sounds like he had a wonderful life. I hope so!!
Victoria Smith Nordin (Harlan's daughter)
Victoria Smith Nordin
July 02, 2021 | Family
I have so many great memories of "Unc" Russ. He always had a smile on his face. We love you and we will miss you very much.
Love ya,
LuAnn Crigler
September 24, 2007 | Laverne,, OK
I absolutely loved going to the aqua jogger class and talking to Russ the whole time about his flying years. We would always talk about Hawaii and wish that we were there exercising in the water. Talking to him always made the time fly and I loved hearing about the old days. He was my inspiration and my sounding board when my father past away and he was so proud of his family. What a great guy!
Amy Meyer
September 19, 2007 | Tulsa, OK
When I think of Unc Russ, I can't help but smile! He has given me some many wonderful memories over the years from playing "I have B.O." bingo with the Terbushes to the Labor Day raft races in Tulsa with my kids. His easy smile and warm laugh will remain with me always as well as his gentlemanly manner. I believe that Daddy put it best when he said, "Losing Russ left a big hole in our family circle."
We love you and we'll never forget you, Unc Russ!
Janet Cook
September 18, 2007 | Laverne, OK
Aunt Arlis,
I am so very lucky to have married into such a wonderful, kind and loving family. You and Unc Russ have always been such an important part of that family.
I cherish the memories that we have all made in our many years together. Unc Russ was an unbelievable role model who was always positive and upbeat.
If I can influence people that I have contact with, half as good as he did, I will feel that I have been successfully.
Unc Russ, as you watch over and take...
Lynette Terbush
September 18, 2007 | Woodward, OK
Dear Aunt Arlis, We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers as we will all miss "Unc" Russ so much! You have both always been such a big part of our lives, and we will treasure all our memories shared with you and Unc Russ (Playing Bingo with Gr-ma Blaine, Aunt Edna and Aunt Edie). We love you! Nancy, Jerry, Natalie and Jeremy
Nancy Goodner
September 17, 2007 | Laverne, OK
I met Russ and Arlis when I worked at the Mannford Tag Office, many years ago. From the first time I met Russ and Arlis I loved them, as they were such sweet and special people. I know that Russ will be missed, as he was loved by all who knew him. My heart goes out to Arlis and the family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers, through this difficult time.
Jan Walz
September 15, 2007 | San Diego, CA
Uncle Russ was one of the "best"....best gentleman....best husband.....best Dad.......best Granddad......best Brother-in-law....best Uncle. His compassion for life and love of God was apparent to all who knew him. He always made you feel extra special and would never embarrass you even if the leg fell off the dining room chair! James respected him as a WWII vet and in-law....some of us Blaine's may not be so easy to live with at times. He will be missed and society has lost an example of...
Kay King
September 14, 2007 | Pasadena, TX
Granddad, I will always remember, lightweight fishing rod in hand, trekking down to the Astroturfed dock in the heat of an Oklahoma July with you. You, who would bait and re-bait our hooks (something I couldn't bring myself to do) as we managed to catch everything from Christmas trees to rocks to pure air: sometimes we'd even manage to fling the bait right off the hook with our clumsy casting. But you, Granddad, you would always smile, shake your head, and joke, "Now, what in the world'd...
Mere Smith
September 12, 2007 | Los Angeles, CA
