Russell Earl Sylvester

Published courtesy of the Cordell Beacon

© Cordell Beacon

Funeral services for Russell Earl Sylvester, 79 year-old Custer City, OK resident, were held on Saturday, June 15, 2002 at 2:00 p.m. in the First Christian Church in Custer City with David Peterson and Lewis Burton officiating. Burial followed in Hydro Masonic Cemetery under the direction of Lockstone Funeral Home of Weatherford.

Russell was born on March 3, 1923, to Benjamin David and Clara May (Carver) Sylvester south of Hydro, OK and passed away at the University Hospital in Oklahoma City on Wednesday, June 12, 2002, at 5:30 a.m. Russell was the fourth of five children. He grew up south of Hydro, attending the Eakly School System. He joined the United States Navy where he served on the U.S.S. General Hersey (A.P. 148) during World War II. He was discharged in 1946. While he was in the Navy, Russell married Juanita Sharry on April 20, 1943. On March 23, 1945, Juanita gave birth to twin boys, Ronnie and Bonnie. Unfortunately the twins passed away on March 23, and 24, 1945.

In the years following, Russell and his brother, Carl, ran a taxi cab business in Weatherford. During this time he met Opal Elizabeth Jones. They married on October 21, 1950. Not only did Russell get Opal, he also got two daughters, Lois and Linda. Russell and Opal were later blessed with three other children, David Earl, Shirley Ann, and Carl Edward. During thirty of the forty-three years of marriage, Russell was a truck driver. Before retiring in 1982, Russell received the One Million Mile Safe Driving Award. Russell and Opal spent several months at a time traveling, fishing, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. They also orgainzed the first U.S.S. General Hersey Navy Reunion, which is still held once a year. Russell and Opal resided in Hydro until her death in September of 1993.

Russell married Ina Regina (Culver) Vincent on March 7,1998, in Thomas, OK. They made their home in Custer City where they were members of the First Christian Church of Custer City. His hobbies included fishing, traveling, woodworking and trading R.V.'s. Memorials may be made to the Okeene Hospital, Canton EMT's, or any charity of your choice.

Russell is survived by his wife, Ina Sylvester of the home in Custer City; two sons, David Sylvester and his wife Susann of Hobart, OK, and Carl Sylvester of Hydro, OK; four daughters, Linda Gregg of Hydron, Ok, Shirley Lewis of Cordell, OK, Sherry Beagley and her husband, Jim of Custer City, OK, and Jeanne Winn and her husband, Dudley of Alva, OK; seventeen grandchildren, Sharee Lewis of Cordell, Jimmie Lewis and her husband, Bill of Cordell, Jerry Sylvester and his wife Chrissy of Enid, Bryon Sylvester of Thomas, Christine Allen and Christopher Allen both of California, Kelly Elwell and Carrie Deffenbaugh both of Fairview, Chad Hutchinson of Weatherford, Misty Theis and her husband, David of Hobart, Chriss Flock and her husband, Mark of Lubbock, TX, Cari Farrow and her husband, Dean of Thomas, Vaughn Rader and his wife, Kim of Alva, Darren Rader and his wife Daunni of Oklahoma City, Dale Rader of Illinois, Dane Winn and Heather Winn both of Irving, TX; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; two wives, Juanita and Opal; three sisters, Hazel Mae, Lola Marie and Florence Myril; one brother, Carl; and twin sons, Ronnie and Bonnie.