Roll Call Tribute

Melvin Curtis "Mel" Russell 

January 11, 1937 - October 10, 2024 

Mel Russell was born on January 11, 1937, to Lewis and Ethel Russell in San Antonio, Texas. He went to his heavenly home on October 10, 2024.

Mel graduated from Burbank High School in San Antonio, Class of 1954 and attended Howard Payne University on a music scholarship (band drum major). He received his Master of Science in Marine Biology, from Texas A&M University.

He worked as a biomedical research assistant with Southwest Research Foundation in San Antonio. He was a high school teacher at Jefferson High School, San Antonio and then at Clear Lake High School, Clear Lake. Mel also was the first Galveston County Marine Extension Agent, and then finished his career as the Outreach Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services, Clear Lake Field Office. Mel also found time to serve in the U.S. Naval Reserve for a total of eight years.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Howard Russell, stepdaughter Karen Inglet and step granddaughter Kate Roe.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Suzy Russell, his children and their spouses, Calvin Russell (Danne’), Cathy Nieto (Greg), and Clint Russell (Jan). Also, his stepchildren and their spouses, Chris Myers (Monica), Janie Caradec (Jim) and Amy Roe (Mike). He was great Papaw to six grandchildren and three step-grandchildren along with fifteen great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Raymond Russell (Suzanne), sister-in-law Louise Russell, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Graveside Service was held on Monday, October 14, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Friendswood Friends Cemetery 502 South Friendswood Drive, Friendswood, Texas 77546.

The family would like to thank the staff of The Cottages of Clear Lake, and the Gentiva Hospice group and nurse Nikki who provided such great care.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Alzheimer’s Association would be appropriate: https://act.alz.org/donate 

Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Jeter Memorial Home at www.jeterfuneralhome.com.