He had helped with the farm work and was interested in many forms of athletics including baseball, football, bowling, basketball, and also professional boxing. He was at one time, one of the four best middleweight boxers in Nebraska.
In 1927, he was a member of the Nebraska 4-H dairy cattle judging team that won a national contest and finished second in the international contest in Wye Kent England. It is recorded in the 1927 Nebraska Year Book of Agriculture, and in the Saturday Evening Post.
Russell had worked as a county extension agent in Kimball , Keith, and Dodge Counties, having moved to Fremont in January of 1951. He was elected president of the Nebraska County agents in 1957. He retired from the extension work in 1972, after 36 years. Then he worked as a county and district court bailiff for 15 years.
Russell was a member of the First United Methodist Church. Last fall, Russell was recognized with a 50 year membership certificate in the Fremont Masonic Lodge No. 15 A.F. & A.M. He had also been recognized as a 'Life Member' of the Fremont Rotary Club. And Russell is the author of 2 published books.
On April 18, 1936, Russell was married in Lincoln to Mary Jo Thiesen. Mary Jo died on February 16, 2005.
Russell was also preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Bessie Hughes.
Survivors: 2 daughters - Barbara Jean and husband Dale Clement of Rapid City, So. Dakota
Sharyl Ann and husband Jerry Flora of Overland Park, Kansas
3 grandchildren - Cristi (Clement) and husband Bill Rimsza, James Russell Clement,
and Edward Hughes Flora
2 great granddaughters - Loren and Sarah Rimsza
1 brother - Erv and wife Betty Hughes of Paradise Valley, Ariz.
1 sister - Eileen and husband Loran Goodwater of Columbus
The funeral service will be 10:30 AM Wednesday (May 28th) in the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel with the Rev. Greg Hall of the First United Methodist Church officiating. The committal will follow in Memorial Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to his church.
Visitation at the Ludvigsen Mortuary will be today (Tuesday-May 27th) from 2 to 8 PM, with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8 PM.
Condolences(4)
Jerry Alfred
Bothell, WA Thursday, May 29, 2008 I had some interesting talks by phone with Russell He remembered the early days and told me about my older brothers. He was blessed with a good mind and enjoyable to know.June White
Berwyn, Ne Wednesday, May 28, 2008 We are sorry to hear about Russell's passing. We were so happy to have met him at the Ericson reunions. He reminded me so much of my Dad, both in looks & knowledge. He will be missed by many.Amanda Price
Fremont, NE Tuesday, May 27, 2008 I worked with Russell at Shalimar Gardens. He always gave good hugs and made it possible to always have a good day or night. He was always cheerful and kind. I enjoyed working with him and will miss him a lot!!Bill & Mary Johnson
Fremont, NE Tuesday, May 27, 2008 Russ, was county agent all the years I was active in 4-H.