Vernon L. “Vern” Russell died on Sept. 28, 2021 at his home in Boardman at the age of 95.
He was born on Nov. 27, 1925 in Prineville to Seth and Alta Russell.
The family moved to Boardman in 1929. Vern graduated from Boardman High School. In 1943 Vern enlisted in the Army Air Corps, where he served as a nose gunner in a B-24 bomber. After World War II, Vern attended Oregon State University for a year and then began his first career working construction as a carpenter on the federal dam projects. While working in The Dalles he met Barbara Copple, and the two were married in 1955. In 1956 Vern and Barbara, with their son Bruce, moved back to Boardman, and Vern opened a Shell gas station along Highway 30. During the relocation of Boardman in the 1960s, Vern served as chairman of the Boardman Planning Commission and as a city councilor for 16 years. In 1965, Vern opened a new gas station along Highway 84 in the relocated community of Boardman. He later started Russell Oil Co., becoming a fuel jobber.
Vern was an avid fisherman, spending time with family and friends salmon fishing on the Oregon coast.
Vern is survived by Barbara, his wife of 66 years; son, Don Russell (Susan) of Boardman; daughter, Lorie Coleman (Stacy) of Murrieta, Calif.; daughter-in-law, Becky Russell of Corvallis; seven grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.
Vern was preceded in death by his parents, Seth and Alta Russell; brother, Dale; sister, Helen; and a son, Bruce.
A graveside service with military honors will be held on Saturday, Oct. 9 at 1 p.m. at the Riverview Cemetery, Boardman.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Vern’s memory to a charity of your choice.
Please share memories of Vern with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
