Melvin Nathaniel Russell Jr

Melvin Nathaniel Russell, Jr. was born on September 1, 1938 in Nocona, Texas to Emma Veretto Russell and Melvin Nathaniel Russell, Sr. He passed away Wednesday, October 18, 2023, surrounded by his family. In the moment when Heaven met Earth, Melvin left this temporary home to enter his eternal home, and is currently worshiping the Savior that he served his entire life.

Melvin grew up in Nocona, Texas, and graduated from Nocona High School in 1956. After graduation, he left Nocona to attend Arlington State College (now UTA) where he received an associates degree in electrical engineering. Upon completing his degree, he started his career at Texas Electric Service Company, where he worked for over 20 years and subsequently went to work for the United States Postal Service in electrical maintenance, and retired after 27 years.

On February 24, 1961, Melvin married Carole Barnhart Russell in Graham, Texas. He and Carole welcomed their son, Rex in 1962 and lived in Graham until 1964. After moving to Wichita Falls, their daughter, Melodi was born in 1966. The family moved to Burleson in 1969 when Melvin was transferred to Texas Electric Service Company in Fort Worth.

Melvin was a dedicated member of the United States Army National Guard. He enlisted in March of 1961 and attended Officer Candidate School in Austin. He served in active duty when the 49th Armored Division was ordered into federal service at Fort Polk, Louisiana in October 1961 during the Berlin Crisis. He received numerous honors, continued his military training throughout his career, and retired after 37 years of service at the rank of Major.

Greater than any accomplishments at work or in his military career, Melvin’s joys in life were his family, traveling with Carole when they became empty nesters, and most of all, loving the Lord and faithfully serving Him for decades. Melvin and Carole mentored many young couples in a Sunday School class that they taught at First Baptist Church, Burleson where Melvin served as a deacon for over 40 years. Melvin also taught a Wednesday night Bible study and led a Sunday morning service at Heritage Place Independent Living for 25 years.

Melvin was the epitome of generosity, giving of his time, talents, and financial resources, almost always in a very quiet way. He had a heart for people and was always ready to bless them in any way that he could.

Melvin left an amazing legacy. All of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren love Jesus and are serving the Lord. Those who remain to carry on the legacy that Melvin left are his wife of 62 years, Carole; his son, Rex Russell and his wife, Jeanene; his daughter, Melodi Faris and her husband, George; his grandson, Dawson Russell and his wife, Neva; his granddaughters, Madison Faris, Lauren Faris, and Emily Faris and his three precious great-grandsons, Shepherd Russell, Judah Russell, and Eli Russell. He will also be remembered by his nephew, Steve Barnhart, his nieces, Deborah Barnhart Cohen, Kelly Barnhart, Jerri Barnhart, and his sister-in-law, Sadie Barnhart.

Because of Melvin’s love for the military, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory at: Wounded Warrior Project www.woundedwarriorproject.org or The Station Foundation www.thestationfoundation.org.