Memorial services were held at 10:00 AM on Monday, November 28th at the First United Methodist Church at 200 North Fifth Avenue in Clayton, New Mexico, with Rev. Jay Jones, pastor officiating. Services were under the direction of Hass Funeral Directors of Clayton, New Mexico.

Russell was one of three children born to Robert and the late Amanda 'Mandie' Lawrence. His amicable nature at Alvis and Kiser Elementary schools formed numerous bonds that were both kind and appreciated. He attended Clayton Junior High, and then Clayton High School where he played in the backfield of several powerhouse Yellowjacket football teams. He played trombone in the Yellowjacket band alongside big brother Dick, good buddy Richard Arguello, and a host of other friends. These lifelong friendships would follow him after he graduated in 1979. Russell was a U.S. Army veteran whose duty as a military police officer ensured security for General Bernard Rogers at the Chateau Jon Bién in Mons, Belgium. This was known to most veterans as the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) of NATO. Upon returning from Europe, Russell married Karena Stewart in 1983, and settled for a brief time in Virginia. There Russell continued to provide security for the national defense contractor TRW. In 1988 he relocated to his hometown of Clayton, New Mexico. Russell and Karena proudly and devotedly raised three incredible and beloved children, Katherine, Kristopher, and Kelsey. These caring parents encircled their children with love in a union that lasted for 27 years. Russell's world was shaken at the passing of his mother in the winter of 2010. Soon after, he was blessed to experience the empathy and understanding of a close high school friend, Jerri-Ann Kirk. Their relationship blossomed and in August of 2011 they became engaged to be married. The couple had plans to reside in Springfield, Colorado after their marriage. Russell was fortunate to work alongside many old and new friends in Clayton and other communities. He labored as a mail and ATM transport carrier, EMS attendant, firefighter, highway department inspector, mechanic, handyman, and cemetery caretaker. He was employed by BNSF railroad located in Trinidad, Colorado, and was undergoing training at the time of his passing. His endeared mother, Amanda (Jones Lawrence) Parker had preceded him in death on December 7, 2010. Russell had a heart the size of the broad, blue New Mexico sky and the God-given gift of a sensitive and forgiving demeanour that touched and blessed many throughout his life. His sense of humor is legendary and was the source of pure joy and hilarity among all who knew him. Russell will be in the hearts and prayers of hundreds of family, friends, and strangers whose lives he touched in the too-short 50 years in which we knew him. We take comfort that he is in the bosom of our Lord and has found the peace of God that he sought during his life.

SURVIVORS:

HIS TREASURED FIANCÉ: Jerri-Ann Sinclair Kirk of Springfield, Colorado and her children; Cody and Blaine.

CHERISHED PARENTS: Robert and Ruth Lawrence of Clayton, New Mexico.

HIS DEEPLY LOVED AND ADMIRED CHILDREN: Katherine Ballard and her fiancé Mike Barnes of Clayton, New Mexico, Kristopher Lawrence and his wife Ashley of Newport News, Virginia and Kelsey Lawrence of Clayton, New Mexico.

ADORED GRANDCHILDREN: Kale, Keelan, and Karson.

Friend and former spouse, Karena Stewart.

DEVOTED BROTHER and SISTER: Richard Lawrence and his wife Pam of Highland, California and Patti Higgins and her husband Robert of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Uncles, Don and Ronald; Aunts, Shirley, Dolly June, Rhonda, Winnie, Tyrena, and Norma.

NIECES and NEPHEWS: Danny Jackson, Shonda Arrona, Sherry Jackson, Bendigo Lawrence, Emily Lawrence, Cara Higgins, Michael Higgins, Kristen Higgins, Daniel and Cahlynn; and countless other family and friends whom were blessed to know him.

MEMORIALS: Memorial donations may be sent in care of Robert Lawrence,301 West Broadway, Clayton, New Mexico, 88415 to assist in the honor, respect, and celebration of Russell's rich and wonderful life.