Stephen Douglas Russell

Stephen Douglas Russell was born March 17, 1935 to the union of Gertrude Johnson Russell and Stephen Henry Russell in Taft, Oklahoma. He was the oldest of six siblings.
His entire life was spent in the Taft area.
Stephen was affectionately called "Skip, Skippy or S.D.", by family, friends and co-workers. He received his formal education at Moton High School, graduating with the Class of 1956. He united with Flipper Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church at an early age, remaining faithful, serving as a trustee and electrician, always available day or night.
On March 20, 1959, Stephen married his love, Mary Ella Robinson. To this union a son (Darrell) was born. Following the teaching and training from his Father, Stephen went on to become a licensed Electrician. His work career began with the Department of Mental Health, later the Department of Human Service then retiring from the Department of Corrections in 1966 after 40 years of service. Although, Stephen retired from his employment he continued to serve his community and surrounding areas by using his knowledge, skills, stuff from his garage, sheds, and toolboxes.
Stephen was a dedicated family man, a hard worker that loved his community. Many recall fond memories shared with "Skip" over the years and he will be remembered as a historian of the community; a talker. No one could change his way of thinking like his granddaughter, Kalen Bug.
Stephen loved his church and his church family. When he could no longer attend because of his health, he attended virtually.
Stephen's health began to fail in 2023, and in 2024, he was placed in Home Health Services. On April 23, 2025, he was placed in The Springs Skilled Nursing Facility. After a full meaningful life, God called Stephen to his eternal home on May 31, 2025.
Stephen leaves to cherish his memories; his wife of 66 years, Mary Ella, his son, Darrell (Coletta) Russell, his granddaughter, Kalen Russell, his sisters, Louise Jones (Tulsa), Etolia (J.L.) Johnson (Muskogee) sister-in-law, Shirley Russell (Muskogee), nieces, nephew, great nieces and great nephews, cousins, friends and his beloved community of Taft, Oklahoma.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Gertrude Russell, his siblings, Inman, Richard, and Theodore Vernon.
A Home Going Celebration is scheduled Friday, June 6, 2025, 11:00 a.m., New Life Ministries, 202 S. Main Street, Taft, OK; with Rev. Travis Doolin, St. John A.M.E. Tulsa, OK; delivering the eulogy. Interment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery & Mausoleum, Muskogee, OK.
Visitation will be Thursday, 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.
The family has been cared for by House of Winn-Muskogee
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