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Butch Russell
1940 - 2011
Butch Russell
1940 - 2011
Obituary
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Butch Russell Obituary
Butch Russell, 71, of Portales, NM, died after a brief illness on Saturday, December 31, 2011, at the University Medical Center in Lubbock, TX.
Butch was born February 18, 1940, and was welcomed by his parents, Johnny and Winnie Russell, of Floyd, NM. Butch attended school in Portales and at Floyd, graduating from Floyd High School in 1959.
After serving his country in the United States Army as a Paratrooper, Butch returned to Portales to attend Eastern New Mexico University, where he graduated with a major in Agriculture. His love of horses and expertise provided him with a long and satisfying career.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Penny, and son, Jessie. He is also survived by a brother, Bob (Jean) Russell; sisters, Barbara (Del) Chesser, Martha (Ron) Singleton, Brenda (Ron) Egan, and Betty Grimes, as well as numerous cousins and special aunts, Lillie Johnson and Weesie Creek, and uncles, Leroy and Paul Creek.
Butch was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John Russell of Floyd and Mr. E.H. and Mrs. Mattie Kinney of Portales; brothers ,Phillip and Bill Russell, and sister, Janet Duarte.
Arrangements are under the direction of Wheeler Mortuary of Portales, 575-356-4455.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Rita & Jessica
January 10, 2012
Penny and Jesse, thoughts and prayers with you both at this time. Butch was a very good person.
Hollis & Linda Bynum
January 10, 2012
So sorry we didn't stay in touch these last few years - we always think 'we'll just do it tomorrow'. What fond memories we have of our dear friend, Butch! For many, many years we both felt like he was a brother. A true cowboy - horseman - friend. God be with you..............
Sam Turner
January 9, 2012
Butch,
Every boy needs a favorite childhood companion, and I was lucky enough for you to be mine. When we moved next door in 1946, you and Philip became my first and best childhood buddies. Oh my goodness what fun we had riding stick horses and playing cowboys. I can remember going to the Kiva movie theater and voting for Roy Rogers over Gene Autry as our favorite cowboy. How lucky I was to have you two as my best buddies. I can still hear my mother calling me in for dinner by saying, "This is the last time. Come in NOW." And, I will always remember eating every breakfast as fast as I could wanting to get outside so we could continue to play together.
You may be gone from my life, but you will never be forgotten.
Pals for life, my real life cowboy.
Sam Turner
Robert Russell
January 8, 2012
Whenever we would think of Butch, it was always either on horseback with that easy style, or telling a yarn with that dry wit, almost always about a happening on the range or in a cutting. We were forever saying,"we gotta get Butch to telling stories when we've got a recorder in hand." Sadly, we never did, so now all we have is recollections of those times. Farewell, brother and best friend.
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January 8, 2012
Butch was a great brother and a great friend. I will really miss him. Barbara Russell Chesser
John Robberson
January 8, 2012
I am sorry to hear about Butch. I have many fond memories of him. When I was a kid he was larger than life to me. I can truly say that I am a better person for having known him.
January 8, 2012
Penny, we were so sorry to hear about Butch. We've always admired his style of training & he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with you.
Dwayne & Sue Disney
Marilyn Chumbley
January 7, 2012
We cannot believe you are gone, Butch. You were the best cousin & friend through the years & we have many good memories.
Bo & Marilyn
Linda and Drew Russell
January 7, 2012
Butch, Thank you so much for so many years of fun (all our lives). As a family, we will all miss your stories and laughter, as you have truly been one of a kind and have lived life your way.
Amelia Bilbrey
January 6, 2012
Prayin for you Penny.
I love you
January 6, 2012
I am sorry to hear that Butch has passed. I always enjoyed it when he and Penny came to the NM Cuttings. He will be missed and prayers to his family.
Laura Johnson Capitan, NM
Daniel Gonzales
January 6, 2012
I am sorry to hear of Butch. I knew him for awhile, and thought he was a great man. Penny my prayers are for you, and the family. Daniel
Don Boyd
January 6, 2012
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Ray Martin
January 6, 2012
I had worked for Butch a few times doing welding jobs. I am sorry to of his passing but I am proud to call Butch a friend. I had him to ride a few horses since 1977 and was very pleased with his work.
January 6, 2012
Butch was an outstanding horsemen. He rode many of our horses and always did a great job. Butch was one of the few trainers that were honest and who did not ride for the money, he trained because this was his passion. Our prayers are with the family and again we are so sorry to hear about you'r loss. Carl and Tina Parmer
Buster Wooten
January 6, 2012
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Butch. He was a true Cowboy. I have many great of Butch, and I will miss him. My prayers go out to you Penny and the family. God bless.
Bo & Marilyn Chumbley
January 6, 2012
Butch, you're my hero. You'll be missed.
January 6, 2012
Sorry about the loss-He rode a couple of horses fo me and did a heck of job
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