David Allen Russell Obituary

David Allen Russell, 72, of Medford, Oregon, died on April 30, 2007 at Hearthstone Nursing Facility after a long illness. David died peacefully, surrounded by family.

David was born August 15, 1934 in Wichita, Kansas, to Eleanor and Melvin Russell. David spent his childhood years in Wichita, Kansas, Des Moines, Iowa, St. Joseph, Mo., and Flint, Mich., graduating from Northern High School in 1952 in Flint. David continued his education and graduated from Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa in 1954. David served proudly and with honor in the Armed Forces from 1956-1958. He then continued his education, graduating from the University of Michigan with degrees in education and Library Science, and received his PhD in Library Science from the University of Iowa in 1984. He had a distinguished and enjoyable career with Southern Oregon University, where he was a professor of Library Science from 1983 until he retired as Professor Emeritus in 1996.

David cherished many long-lasting friendships made through his involvement with the community, where he participated in the Jackson County ACLU, the Jackson County Democratic Committee, and the Southern Oregon Lambda Association. David was also a long time member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Rogue Valley, where he served on a number of committees.

David is survived by sons, Mark Russell, of New York City, and Paul Russell, of Medford; a daughter, Anne Russell, of Medford; a grandson, Clinton Haines, of Medford; a sister, Reta Lancaster of Carmel, Ind.; and brothers, Robert Russell of El Cerrito, Calif., and William Russell of Lamoni, Iowa.

Memorial services will be announced at a later date.