Alvin Floyd Russell, 77, of De Soto died Feb. 21, 2026, at his home. Mr. Russell served as a cook in Vietnam during the war in 1970. After retiring from the Jefferson County Highway Department and working on the family farm in Ware, he grew to love travel, eating barbecue and sharing laughter and smiles. He was known to be quiet, but with good music and friends, he could be the life of the party. He and his wife visited 100 countries together, with Vietnam being the 101st country for him. He loved gardening flowers and vegetables and shared his sweet potatoes, beets, green beans and tomatoes with family and friends. His woodworking skills improved greatly throughout the years. Never charging for his creations, the kitchen items, Christmas decorations, toys, and furniture he crafted now reside in the homes of family and friends. Born Aug. 18, 1948, in De Soto, he was the son of the late Floyd C. and Geneva (Billie) Brakefield Russell.
He is survived by survived by his wife of 52 years: Nickolyn Sue (Shelley) Russell of De Soto; a daughter: Karen Sue (Shawn) Dement; a son: Mark Douglas (Carrie) Russell; a special niece: Lisa (Mark) Jordan; six grandchildren: Madison Keller, Braden (Kaelyn) Dement, Anderson Pipes, Alyssa Dement, Lainie Pipes and Rebecca Jordan; a great-grandson: Paul Dement; a brother: Gary (Grace) Russell; a sister: Judith (David) Eisenhauer; and numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation is scheduled from 9 a.m. until services at noon Saturday, Feb. 28, at Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home, 220 N. Main St., in De Soto, officiated by Pastor Matt Sutman. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741, or De Soto Christian Church, 4151 Fountain City Road, De Soto, 63020. Arrangements are under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home.