Stephen Russell

Stephen Morgan Russell

1933-2015

Stephen Morgan Russell, 81, of Victor, ID,  was born on October 26, 1933 in Washington, D.C. to James Victor Russell and Dorothy Burns Russell.  He passed away on Friday, May 8 in the comfort of his home under the care of his family.  Steve lived and worked the majority of his life in southern and western Maryland.  In 1952, Steve married Mary Ann Taylor.  They had three children: Stephen Morgan, Jr., Kathleen Marie, and Mark Victor.  In 1973, Steve and Mary Ann divorced.  Steve married Sheila Jane Ramsay in 1979 and they had one son, Shane Ryan.

Steve joined the Navy in 1951and served as Seaman First Class manning Turret 5 as a Gunners Mate.  He advanced to the rank of Gunners Mate Second Class prior to his honorable discharge in 1954.  He then worked for IBM in Washington, D.C.  After working for IBM, Steve found his true passion and entered the Maryland State Police Academy in Pikesville, MD in 1957.  After graduating, he served in St. Mary’s County as Trooper First Class.  In 1962, he advanced to the rank of Corporal and served as the Detachment Commander in Leonardtown, MD.  His love for the outdoors motivated him to transfer with his family to Garrett County, MD in 1963.  Steve earned the rank of Corporal and served for a short time as Detachment Commander.  In July of 1979, Steve retired from the Maryland State Police with almost 26 years of service.  Post-retirement, Steve served as Bailiff of the Circuit Court of Garrett County until moving his family to Teton Valley, ID in 1999.  He worked for the Teton County Sheriff’s Office transporting prisoners to the facility in Rexburg.  From January 2008 until January 2012, Steve served as a Court Security Officer for the Federal Court in Jackson, WY.

Steve enjoyed hunting, shooting, skiing, fast cars, and motorcycles. Steve was an endowed member and supporter of the National Rifle Association.  He worked part-time as a ski instructor at the Wisp Ski Area in McHenry, MD for 25 years. His love for fast cars focused on Corvettes, and throughout his life he owned a Stingray, C4, and C5.  Steve enjoyed a spirited political debate and was always apprised of current political and world events.

Steve is survived by his wife, Sheila, children: Shane, Stephen, Jr., Kathleen Martin (husband Phillip Martin), Mark, and two grandsons, Kyle and Tanner Russell.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, May 13 at the Driggs Stake Center, Driggs, Idaho with interment at the Pratt Cemetery in Alta, WY.  In memory of Steve Russell, please send any contributions to the National Rifle Association.