Russell M. Willson

Russell Melville Willson was born in Fresno, Cal-ifornia on May 27, 1942, to Melville E. Willson and Rayona E. Willson and pas-sed away following a short bout with cancer, on Sunday, May 20, 2007. Known as Rusty to his family and friends in Fresno, Russell grew up in Fresno where he attended Bullard High School as a Freshman and transferred to Clovis High School. Always ready for fun, he was a member of the Pan Draggers Car Club and was an avid boat racer. After high school, Russell attended Fresno State Colege where he was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. Russell proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Reserve. Russell followed his father's footsteps into Freemasonry and petition-ed for membership when he turned twenty one. From then on, Masonry was an integral part of his life. He was a life member of Fres-no Lodge #247, a member of the Scottish Rite, a Shriner and a member of the Royal Order of Jesters. After he was finished with school, he married Janet Borth of Firebaugh, California and shortly there-after settled in Sanger, California. There he would raise his family and con-tinue farming with his father Mel at Willson Farms, Inc. In 1987, Russell retired and moved to La Jolla, Calif-ornia where he remarried and lived for several years, returning to Fresno in 2001. Those who knew Russell knew a true and loyal friend. His personality and ability to communicate made no person a stranger. A man of respect, character, and sincerity, he will be missed. Russell is survived by his sons and their spouses, Britton and Rhonda Willson of Davis, California and Matthew and Lori Willson of Kingsburg, California; and five grandchildren Evan, Lauryn, Griffen, Blaire and Garrett. He is also survived by his two sisters and their families, Lynn Cullington and Elizabeth, John, Alicia, Rae, JW and Tara Pardini, all of Fresno, California. Viewing will be at Lisle Funeral Home on Wednes-day, May 23, 2007, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Service for Russell will be held at the Lisle Funeral Home in Fresno on Thursday, May 24, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. Remembrances may be made to Shriners' Hospital for Children by contacting the Fresno Tehran Shrine Temple at (559) 251-1991.