Rick Russell

Rick Russell, 58, of West passed away Saturday, August 2, 2014, in Hillsboro. Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 7, 2014, at First United Methodist Church in Hillsboro. Visitation with his family will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 6, 2014, at Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors in Hillsboro.

Born August 12, 1955 in Waco, Rick was the son of Billy Gene and Beth (Burrell) Russell. He grew up in Bynum where he graduated from high school in 1973. Rick was a gifted athlete and excelled at several sports. He began his work career shortly after graduation joining Tipton International where he became parts manager.

In 1978, he acquired the Phillips 66 Station on Highway 22 in Hillsboro. Rick never slowed down. In addition to running the station, he also drove a U.S. mail route starting early in the mornings. On September 19, 1981, he and Janice Kocian were married in West. After nearly 14 years at the station, he opened Rick’s Quick Lube in 1991.

Rick loved to drag race and was a member of both NHRA and IHRA. When he wasn’t racing cars, he could often be found on the diamond playing softball. In his youth, there were also some tales of his adventures on motorcycles and mini-bikes. He was also a member of Line Street United Methodist Church in Hillsboro.

Preceding him in death were his father, Billy Gene Russell, and father-in-law, Ted Kocian.
Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Janice Russell of West; daughter, Jordyn Russell of West; mother, Beth Russell Richcreek of Hillsboro; brother, David Russell and wife, Jan, of Hillsboro; sister, Jill Hennig and husband, Turner, of Hillsboro; mother-in-law, Josephine Kocian of Woodway; brothers-in-law, Teddy Kocian and wife, Toni, of Hewitt, Timmy Kocian of West, and Randy Kocian of Huntsville; sisters-in-law, Amy Kocian of Waco and Jennifer Kocian of Robinson; nieces and nephews, Kaci Kocian, Amanda Litke, Cody Kocian, Jaime Doyle, Jacy Russell, Jaron Trout, and Jade Hennig; and special friend, Bobby Nors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Visitation

Wednesday August 6, 2014 , 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors in Hillsboro

Memorial Service

Thursday August 7, 2014 , 10:00 AM at First United Methodist Church

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