Joseph Joe A. Russell, 63

Joseph Joe A. Russell, 63, of Edmond, Okla., passed away on Aug. 18, 2010, in Oklahoma City. He was born on May 7, 1947, to George A. and Virginia L. Russell in Ardmore, Okla. On Feb. 4, 1982, Joe married Merry A. Hollopeter. Joe and Merry worked together in the child care industry for 25 years and the last 14 years as house parents at the Boys Ranch Town in Edmond, Okla. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Merry A. Russell; mother, Virginia L. Russell; children, Terry Graff, LeeAnn Graff, Dawn Russell, Jacob Russell, Jason Russell and wife, Lathisha; brother, John Russell and wife, Nola; sister, Betty Brewer and husband, John; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; and all the children who have been such a big part of their lives. Joe was preceded in death by his father, George A. Russell; grandson, Henderson A. Galloway; and both sets of grandparents. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Boys Ranch Town, 5100 East 33rd St., Edmond, OK 73012. Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 23, at Henderson Hills Baptist Church in Edmond. Services are under the direction of Matthews Funeral Home in Edmond.