Mike Rue Russell

Mike was one of the dearest friends in my life. His love for life, people, animals, humor and his intelligent, gentle wit were a joy to experience! I am forever grateful to have known him & I will miss him to the end of my days.

I especially remember Mike's bright smile and somewhat rosey-colored cheeks on a sunny morning outside the Band Hall back when we played music together with Mr. Gauthier...and the crowd.

Excerpt from The Inurnment Service
July 10, 2004
Memory Garden St Paul’s Episcopal Church
Orange, Texas
By Steve Kirkindall

Our purpose here today is two-fold. First, we honor Mike’s request that his mortal remains be laid to rest here in the Memory Garden at St Paul’s – alongside those of his mother and father. Which is as it should be. Dave and Ellen were there fifty-three years ago to welcome Mike into life in this world. They are here today to...

Excerpt from The Eulogy
Delivered May 27, 2004
Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Chapel, McKinney, Texas
By Steve Kirkindall

He was not a terribly complex person. With Mike, what you saw was exactly what you got… and it was always genuine. There was absolutely no pretense, no deception, nothing false about him. And that’s the kind of relationship we had – real, human… basic…. built on honesty, openness, mutual respect and unconditional acceptance… because that’s...

My earliest memories of Mike were at the age 4 or 5. Our families lived side by side in Gilmour Homes. Both young families struggling to make a better life, and then Mike contracted Polio. As young as I was, I remember the terrible fear in my family that we (the children) would fall ill as well, and the desperation of Mike’s family for fear that they would lose him.
They didn’t lose him. Mike survived the illness, the therapies and recovered. In grade school he survived the braces,...

Mike was a great guy from elementary school through high school. We all benefitted just by knowing him and from his joy for life. Getting to see him again at High School reunions was a wonderful moment and reminded us of all of the good times we shared growing up in Orange. We'll miss you.

Dear Michael, Dear Michael. I loved you as a decent, kind, warm, funny student and I grew to know you as a warm, loving, family man. Yes, the beautiful light of your caring, courageous and inspirational soul will be sorely missed from this earthly world, but my prayer and fervent belief is that you are at peace in the Lord's arms. Nothing of this world can hurt you any longer. I'm sure that your family and friends will grieve for you now, but eventually wonderful memories of you will fill our...

An admirable man with a twinkle in his eye and a smile for everyone. Mike was always cool in my book -- he had time for everyone and he always had great jokes. I hope you are sharing your gift of laughter with all who surround you in heaven, I know you blessed all of us here.

What a kind and generous hearted person. I know Mike must have made a lasting impression on everyone he was around. His positivity and genuine personality will be greatly missed. We need more people like him in this world

He was truly a fine example to try to emulate throughout my life.