David Ray Russell

David Ray Russell, 80, of Aztec, New Mexico, passed away on September 25, 2025, in Farmington, New Mexico. David was born in Deming, New Mexico, on September 29, 1944, to parents Andrew Pleasant Russell & Beatrice Willie Russell (Davis).

David graduated from Deming High School in 1964, where he was active in FFA, and entered the Air Force, serving his country from 1965 to 1969. He met his first wife, Peggy Vanderpool, during his last year of service and they were married in October of 1969. They moved to Farmington, NM were David had family. His first son, Glen was born in June of 1970 and his second son, Randy was born in May of 1973. In 1972 David was hired on at the City of Farmington. He continued his education by taking Civil Engineering courses through ICS Correspondence. David received his license as a Professional Land Surveyor and became the city surveyor for the City of Farmington. He retired from the City of Farmington where he worked for 25 years. He was also a member of the B.P.O.E. (Elks). After retirement he co-owned Russell Surveying, Inc. with his two sons until 2012. David loved to shoot pool and dance at the Country Palace and Office Bar. He had a passion for raising livestock and loved to ride horses, which he did, until the age of 75.

David is preceded by his son Randy Don Russell, Parents Beatrice Hobbs and Andrew Russell, sisters Nancy Ann Nesmith, and Charlotte Louise Lucy, grandparents Charles Davis & Willie Birdie Davis (Hudson), and Robert Russell & Mary Russell (Lewis).

David is survived by son Glen Russell and Glen’s wife Tina, daughter-in-law Tonya Russell, grandchildren Lori Carrel, Michael Russell, Ryan Russell, and Laramie Russell, great-grandchildren Kaidence Carrel & Maddison Carrel.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 1:00pm at Farmington Funeral Home at 2111 W. Apache Street, Farmington, New Mexico, 87401. Followed by a Graveside service with Military Honors at Greenlawn Cemetery, 1606 N Dustin Avenue, Farmington, New Mexico, 87401.