Butch Russell of Elma passed away Thursday, May 2, 2019, at the age of 76. Butch was born on June 19, 1942, to Louis Sr. and Lydia Russell in Los Angeles, California. He was raised in Beaumont, California, and graduated from Beaumont High School in 1960. He joined the United States Army on April 27, 1964, and proudly served as a PFC, as an expert Marksman, at Fort Benning, Georgia, until April 26, 1966. After his military service he went back to work at the Deutsch Company in Banning, California.

On Dec. 18, 1971, Butch married Claudia Smith in Las Vegas, Nevada. Shortly after they married they moved to the Grays Harbor area, where they built a happy life. Butch worked at the Weyerhaeuser Pulp Mill for 24 years.

Butch loved life, his wife and son. He truly enjoyed his extended family and friends. Nephews, nieces and family friends were very often at the house to enjoy all the fun times of life on Papa’s Patio.

Butch loved his grandbabies and could often be found sitting on the patio, barbequing and listening to classic country music.

Butch is survived by his wife Claudia Russell and son Chad (Kim) Russell both of Satsop; sister Carolyn Rienti of Satsop; his beloved Katherine; four grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

An inurnment at Mountain View Cemetery in Beaumont, California will take place on June 20, at 10 a.m. Service will be officiated by the Rev. Mark Hargett.

Memorial donations in Butch’s name may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

To share memories or express condolences visit www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com. Arrangements entrusted to Harrison Family Mortuary of Montesano.