Richard Md

RICHARD LEE RUSSELL, M.D. Dr. Richard Lee Russell, 85, of Harrisburg, PA and Grand Lake, OK, died after an extended illness on January 19, 2012, with his loving wife, Linda by his side. He was born on June 28, 1926, in Picher, Oklahoma, the son of Dr. Richard and Henrietta Russell. He was married to Linda Hough Russell of Vinita, Oklahoma on May 17, 1959. He completed his high school and college education at Kansas State Teachers College, Pittsburgh, KS, and graduated from the University of Oklahoma, School of Medicine in 1949. His internship and residencies included Kansas City General Hospital in Kansas City, MO, Charity Hospital in New Orleans, LA, and Hahnemann Medical College & Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. He specialized in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery and trained under the esteemed pioneer of open heart surgery, Dr. Charles Bailey. From 1953-1955, he also served as a Captain in the United States Air Force, stationed in Biloxi, MS. In 1958, he opened his first practice in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery in Kansas City, MO, and was the first doctor to perform open heart surgery there. At this time, he also pursued his interest in heart valve replacement research. In 1963 he joined former Hahnemann resident, Dr. Benjamin Musser in private practice in Harrisburg, PA. During his career, he served as Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery and Senior Associate of Thoracic Surgery at Harrisburg Hospital, Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery at Polyclinic Medical Center and Associate of Thoracic Surgery at Holy Spirit Hospital. He was a consultant to both Chambersburg Hospital in Chambersburg, PA and Community General Osteopathic Hospital in Harrisburg, PA. In addition, he was appointed Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery at Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine. He was a devoted member of Mount Calvary Episcopal Church in Camp Hill, PA and served on their vestry. He had a passion for fly fishing on the Yellow Breeches Creek, PA, and Roaring River, AR. For years family and friends enjoyed his New Orleans style cooking. He was an avid tennis player and pursued golf after retirement. He also loved gardening, amateur photography and world travel. Richard is survived by his wife Linda Hough Russell, daughter Carlie Russell Byrne of Charlotte, NC, son Richard Lee Russell II of Raleigh, NC, brother Dr. James Louis Russell of Kansas City, MO, sister JoAnna DeArmon of Norman, OK, cousin Robert G. Russell of Joplin, MO and five beautiful grandchildren: Jonathan Russell Byrne, Liam Mathew Byrne, Christine Elizabeth Byrne, Cade Jameson Russell and Riley Kay Russell. He was known as the doctor who always wore a bow tie and was loved by all who knew him, especially for his kind nature, warm laugh, and caring personality. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. John's Episcopal Church, 522 West Canadian, Vinita, OK 74301 or Good Shepherd Hospice, 2084 South Main, Grove, OK 74344. A service will be held Wednesday January 25th at St. John's Episcopal Church, Vinita Oklahoma at 11:00 a.m., Fathers Phil Lawrence and Howard Wilson will officiate. Interment will follow at Park Cemetery, Carthage MO. Online condolences may be made at www.honoringmemories.com. Arrangements are by the Luginbuel Funeral Home of Vinita.

Service Details

Wednesday, January 25th, 2012 11:00am, St. John's Episcopal Church