David Lewis Russell

David, aka “Dad”, aka “Uncle Dave”, aka “Papa”, took his last breath on the afternoon of March 17, 2017 in his home with his family present. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Eva Russell, his older siblings Ralph Russell SR. and Eleanor Fitzgerald, siblings-in-law Elaine Dunlap and Hugh Fitzgerald, three nieces, a nephew, and many cousins. He is survived by his wife Elisabeth “Liz”; his children Mike (Cindy), Michele (Sam) and Scott; his grandchildren John, George, Ethan and Chloe; his siblings, Jim (Pat), Bob (Nan), John (Tina), Lenna (Ben) and sister-in-law June; 24 nieces and nephews; 55 grandnieces and nephews; and 10 great-grandnieces and nephews. David enjoyed attending class reunions of Lakewood High School and Purdue University. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering degree from Purdue where he was also in the ROTC, and earned an MBA while in Michigan. David loved playing card games like cribbage and Euchre with his wife and his family. He played with so much passion, it evolved into family game night, playing dominoes, board games or card games such as 31, Oh Heck, Golf, Hearts, or Spades. He could often be found playing 18 holes of golf on various courses with his siblings, friends and colleagues. David was an avid bridge player with 1,200 plus Master Points (after he started keeping track), attaining the rank of Silver Life Master. “Bid No Trump!” Whatever the game, most anyone who knew him would gladly throw a game, just to best him. “Get Dave” was the mantra, but it was hard to do. David often said he did not know if he was born or married first. He met Liz at Purdue, where her girlfriends talked her into asking him to the Sadie Hawkins dance. He was pretty much hooked ever since. He loved sharing his life with Liz. He was top salesman for many years at Dow Chemical Company and often brought customers home to Liz for a home-cooked meal, and maybe a game of cards. Family was an important part of his life; he was always ready to drive anywhere for a family gathering, birthday, wedding, funeral, vacation or just because. Dave loved camping. He camped with Liz on their honeymoon. They traveled to many states and shared many family campouts with their children, grandchildren, siblings, friends and a plethora of nieces and nephews. Many of these trips included chasing down a lead for his family tree quest, or gathering a "really-really" gift for the next family Christmas exchange. Somewhere in all of this mix he managed to master many other skills like amateur photography, playing the guitar and electric organ, a love for books, Lode Runner on the Mac, Photoshop on the PC, and his own unique sense of humor known as "Papa jokes”! David was involved in Scouting with his sons. He served as Pack Master and in other leadership roles with the Cub Scout pack in Lake Jackson. He helped with meetings, camping trips, fundraisers, and of course, Pinewood Derbies. His sons also kept him busy with sports and other activities. Scott and Dave shared a love of competition in early video games. They would tag team to finish Pac-Man levels and a Lode Runner award. Dave loved to kibitz with Mike and Scott as they worked on cars and other projects, waltzing outside to watch and inquire “How’s it going?” Later in life this skill morphed into a talk over a cup of coffee. David also loved square dancing. The first move he learned is a yellow rock, or hug; that is what really got him hooked - he loved hugging the pretty ladies in the fun dresses. Together with Liz, they square danced in many states. They served as officers in their club Cypress Swingers, and as Secretary, Vice President, and President of the Houston Square and Round Dance Council. Additionally, they served as Photographers of the Texas State Council. They helped to promote the fun of square dancing, and to meet the organizational needs for dances in Houston and Texas. This organization, the Houston Square and Round Dance Council of which they were so proud, has as its purpose to promote, educate and encourage the art of American folk dancing within its membership and the public. They were honored with “Square Dance Promoter of the Year” in 2001. Michele and George share their love of Square Dance, and have joined them on many square dance adventures across the country, and even on Square Dance and Round Dance Cruises. Dave and Liz helped many teens reach their college goals through the Texas Teen Scholarship for Square Dance Graduates since before they had grandchildren, and now their grandson George should qualify for a scholarship in March of 2019. David thoroughly enjoyed his grandchildren. George was his first grandchild and "Papa Day" was created on Wednesday evenings to start a tradition of family dinners which evolved into a family game night. He taught George his love of making Rolled-Up Pancakes, a tradition of his mother, Eva. Rolled-Up pancakes are similar to the French Flat Cakes, which later on became popularly known as crepes. John became his second grandchild with his love for technical discussions. Next came Ethan with his love of maps and computers, and who is a super mimic of Papa's great hugs. Then came Chloe, with her beautiful smiles, fun conversations, acting, singing and "Papa's" quick wit. All of his grandchildren possess his love of learning and adventure. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the name of David Russell to the Texas Teen Scholarship Fund. or the charity of your choice.