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BORN
1952
DIED
2016
FUNERAL HOME
Denny Russell Obituary
Owensboro, Kentucky
Denny Lee Russell of Owensboro, KY went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, October 7th , 2016, at the Heartford House.
Denny was an outgoing guy who would talk to anyone. He took pleasure in the small things -like watching a crane land on the lake behind his home and learning new things. Denny was a member of First Baptist Church and enjoyed fellowship with the Open Door Sunday School Class and Supper Eight Dinners. He was born on March 2,1952 in Vincennes, Indiana to Jesse L. and Marie (Schumacher) Russell. He was a 1970 graduate of Lincoln High School in Vincennes. As a child he learned to play sports through the YMCA. He played on the high school football and baseball teams. Football was his favorite sport.
Denny attended Yankton College in Yankton, South Dakota where he played football. He finished his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education at Oakland City University. He continued graduate work at Indiana State University where he received his Masters in Education. He taught and coached in Indiana at Washington High School, North Knox High School, Pike Central High School, and Oakland City University and also in Kentucky at Daviess County High School for a total of 41 years.
He met Suzanne Grossman at Heritage Hills High School in the fall of 1979 at a sporting banquet. He asked her to marry him the following Valentine's Day. They married in August of 1980 and had one son, Dane, who brought great joy to his dad and mom. Coaching Dane in basketball and baseball as a child and later watching him play college basketball made many great memories for Denny.
Denny was a sports enthusiast and watched College Game Day in the fall and would just as likely have been found at high school football or basketball games. He attended many of his son's games, and they would go to the Indiana High School State Tournament games together.
Denny was a fifteen-year liver transplant survivor. His transplant was due to Alpha 1 Antitryspin Deficiency, a heredity liver disease.
Denny was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, George Russell, his sister, Mary Daugherty, and his father and mother-in-law, Howard and Marjorie Grossman.
He is survived by his wife, Suzanne his son, Dane and wife Kala Russell; sisters, Kathy Todd and husband, David; Dottie DeGraff and husband, Bob; brothers, Rick Russell and wife, Sheree; Jim Russell and wife, Jane; brother-in-law, Stanley Grossman and his wife, Ginny and sister-in-law, Jane Mobley and her husband, Sam.
A memorial service will be 2:00pm, Friday, October 14, 2016 at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory where visitation will begin at 12:00pm.
In Lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Liver Foundation, St. Louis University Hospital, St Louis, MO in memory of Denny Russell or the Heartford House, Hospice of Western KY in Owensboro, KY.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Denny Russell
Sponsored by Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory - Owensboro.
April 16, 2019
went with denny to the movie 'the deep' in evansville right before my coast guard boot camp- '77
steve gould
sarasota, florida
Matt Malin
October 26, 2016
Russell family: I am so sorry to hear of Denny's passing. He was a wonderful guy. My dad, Ron Malin and Denny worked at OCC together. They had so much fun together. Denny was so kind to me when I was a kid and would always ask me how my sports seasons were going. The Malin family from Oakland City will be praying for all of you. God's blessings and comfort. Matt Malin and mom, Carolyn Malin.
Jeff Carlson
October 17, 2016
My family and I are very saddened to hear the news that Denny has passed. Being a teammate with Dane through college we could always count on Denny to meet with us after the games with a "great job" or a "keep your head up" compliment. Denny and his family were always very welcoming of me coming from out of town and he never hesitated to make me feel like family within their house. Denny and his family would invite me to family functions when I couldn't make it back home to mine which I really appreciated. I know that from all of my family to yours that Denny will be missed. Our prayers are with you guys at this difficult time.
Tony Lockhart
October 14, 2016
We were saddened to hear that Mr. Russell had passed but we are sure heaven has been brightened by his smile. Like Denny, our son had a liver transplant (LOGAN), and it helped make us realize what a Gift from God that life is. Sorry that we are out of town and could not come to the funeral home but please realize you have been in our thoughts and prayers! Tony & Sonya Lockhart
Peggi Clark
October 14, 2016
Steve and I are saddened to hear the news of Danny's death. As part of our church family, he will be missed. He fought the good fight. " May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord shine His face upon you and give you peace. " Peggi and Steve
Peggi Clark
October 14, 2016
We are saddened to here of Denny's death. He put up a good fight . He was a part of our chuch family and will be missed. "May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord give you peace."
Peggi and Steve Clark
Tom Johnson
October 13, 2016
Denny was a great friend, a classy person and a heck of a football player! After college we lost touch for several years, but reconnected for our 40th class reunion and stayed in touch until the end. May his soul rest in peace.
Wally Duncan
October 13, 2016
Denny and I were roommates at Oakland City College, and we shared much of the college experience together, playing intramural sports, cramming for tests and just hanging out and having fun. We were in each other's weddings. Denny was the kind of guy who never minced words and always said what was on his mind, which amused me but also made me appreciate him. He was a great guy and a great friend. We had lost touch over the years but the last time I saw him and learned about all he had endured with his health, my admiration for him was renewed. Kathy (who knew him from Lincoln High in Vincennes) and I send our deepest condolences to Suzanne and Dane and the rest of the Russell family. Rest well, roomie, and leave the light on for me.
Paul and Lil Brunson
October 12, 2016
Paul and I really enjoyed working with you at DCHS. You were a fun guy to be around. Of course, you were a neighbor to us, as we grew up in Sullivan and Robinson. It was fun talking to you about your growing up in Vincennes.
Stephanie Son
October 12, 2016
I'm so sorry for your loss Suzanne and Dane. Keeping you both in my prayers!
-Stephanie Son
Sharon Duke Meek
October 12, 2016
Kathy and Dottie, you and your family have my deepest sympathy. You will be remembered in my prayers.
Bill Welsh
October 11, 2016
Prayers for the entire Russell Family.
David & Sharon Grayson
October 11, 2016
So sorry to learn of your loss. The Russell family has lost too many too soon.
Mary Sievers
October 11, 2016
My heartfelt sympathy to Dottie and Bob and other family members.
Mary Lou Sievers
Tammy Gogel
October 11, 2016
Suzanne and Dane I am so sorry for your loss. I will have both of you in my prayers. May the loving memories of the happy days with your husband, Suzanne, and Dane, your dad help you through the difficult days.
May God be with you both
Tammy Gogel (BHS)
Jimmy Williams
October 11, 2016
"So sorry to hear about Denny! Denny always fought the good fight now it is time to go rest high on the mountain, your work down here is finished. May God bless Suzanne (co-worker at Boonville High School for many years) and now their son Dane is teaching at Boonville High School. May God bless you and keep you comforted over the days and weeks to come." Jimmy Williams & family.
Judy Whitten
October 11, 2016
I have many pleasant memories of Denny as a student at Oakland City University, as a staff members after his graduation and as an outstanding alumnus, always proud of where he came from. He fought a courageous battle because of his health for lots of years and yet never complained. Our thoughts and prayers are with Suzanne and Dane. He loved both of you so much.
Patty Vieck
October 11, 2016
I am so sorry to hear of Denny's passing. We visited for a while at the recent homecoming in Vincennes and I'm so glad we got to talk for a bit. Denny grew up close to me - only a block away. He was a fine guy and will always be remembered with fondness. My thoughts & prayers go out to his family.
C J Risch
October 11, 2016
I am so sorry to hear of Denny's passsing. It was always good seeing Denny at homecoming and talk about the old days and catch up on what's happening now. He was such a sincere person. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Gary & Sheila Snyder [email protected]
October 11, 2016
We are so very sorry to hear about this sad news of Denny. Growing up, we lived by the Russell's on Main Street. Denny was a fine man. Thoughts & Prayers for the Russell family. Gary Snyder & Family - Vincennes, IN.
Fay Dedman Hill Pitz
October 11, 2016
I went to Oakland City College with Denny. I always enjoyed his smile. My sympathy to all of his family and friends. I know your heart is hurting.
Duane Chattin
October 10, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with Denny's family. I have good memories of our days on the football field in Vincennes. He was a good team member and friend. And I enjoyed our visit at this year's Lincoln High School Homecoming. He will be missed.
Thomas Litherland
October 10, 2016
Sorry to hear of Denny's passing. Prayers for his family!!
Marion Eveland
October 10, 2016
Very sorry to hear the sad news of Denny's passing. Denny and I played football at Lincoln together. He was a year behind me, but we still shared a bond that carried all threw high school. Denny was a great friend and played the game of football the way it was suppose to be played. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, Marion " Sarge" Eveland
Ella and Randie Dreiman
October 10, 2016
Sad to hear of Denny's passing. God bless.
Mark Stephens
October 10, 2016
Mark Stephens and I Vickie are so very sorry for this loss Denny graduated with Mark and I graduated with his sister Dottie. Dottie, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mark and Vickie Stephens ❤
Fred James
October 10, 2016
I was so sorry to lose my very good friend, Denny, We hung around a lot in high school and after. Seperated by distance, we lost touch somewhat as we both married and had families. It was great that one of our best friends, Sam Fields, made the trip up for Homecoming and got Denny to Vincennes for one last harrah. We took him home Saturday and both felt that he enjoyed seeing a lot of people. May God bless you and keep you. Fred James
Jo Ellen S. Keller
October 10, 2016
Denny and I graduated from high school together in Vincennes, IN. Denny was the class vice-president. He was outgoing and friendly, at the same time unassuming and down to earth. Spent many nights watching him play football with the gang. He will be missed by all his classmates. My sympathy goes out to his wife and son, as well as his Vincennes family, especially his nephew, Chris Todd. Chris always spoke very fondly and lovingly about his Uncle Denny.
Jennifer Green
October 10, 2016
Was so sorry to learn yesterday about Denny. It was always fun to see him at DCHS where we caught up on news from Vincennes and Oakland City! I also know how proud he was of Dane and his accomplishments. Denny will be missed. You have our sincere sympathy! Jennifer and Tom Green
Gay Burden
October 9, 2016
Denny and I taught in the same department at DCHS for 10 years. I will never forget him and will see him again in Heaven. He was the type of guy who loved life. He used to call me, "Burden." He gave big hugs. Denny touched so many lives, but he always spoke most often of Suzi and Dane. He was a teacher, but his most passionate role in life was being a Husband and Father.
Tara Garrison
October 9, 2016
Mr. Russell was an amazing teacher who loved his students and wanted nothing but the best for his students. He was one of a kind teacher and touched so many lives at DCHS. Prayers to his family.
Whitney O'Bryan
October 9, 2016
Words cannot express the true impact Mr. Russell has had on the countless number of kids lives that he has taught, including my own. Very thankful and honored to have been taught by and to have become friends with such a genuine, sweet, and caring man. He helped my family when my grandpa was battling liver cancer. So sorry to hear of his loss, but thankful that he's dancing and singing praises with our Heavenly Father. Many prayers for the Russell family during this difficult time.
"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18
sheila Stein
October 9, 2016
So sorry for your loss. I worked at Dchs and my son went to school with Dane.
Connie Hopwood
October 9, 2016
Denny was such a great guy. He was always giving me tips on places to eat in the Newburgh area. Love Denny, he will be missed!
Therese Payne
October 9, 2016
Denny will be missed by the DCHS family. Rest In Peace, Denny!
Cathy Burden
October 8, 2016
All of the Burdens (Todd, Cathy, Emily, and Sam) loved Denny! He was one of a kind.
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Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory - Owensboro900 Old Hartford Road (at Breckenridge), Owensboro, KY 42303
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