Obituary of Russell William Dexter

Russel W. Dexter went to be with our Lord on July 14, 2020 after an extended illness. He is survived by his wife, Carol, his son, Aaron (Ashlyn) Of New Orleans, his grandchildren who he adopted, Trey and Laila, who live at home. Also surviving are his brother, Richard (Faye) of Greeley, CO, sisters Linda Crusie and Sandy Briggs, both of Elkhart IN. His parents and a brother, Tom, preceded him in death. Survivors include his stepdaughters Lori and Stacey, and stepson Chad (Gini) and grandson MJ, many nephews, nieces, cousins, two aunts, and many friends. Russ was born November 5, 1944 to Wilbur and Irene (Sebring) Dexter in Watseka, IL. He was the third son to be born to the Dexter’s with two daughters following. Although there was much joking about Russ being the middle child caught between the 2 boys and 2 girls, there was and is much love between them all. His sense of humor was great. Russ enjoyed making things with his hands from an early age and created many wonderful pieces through the years in his work shops. He loved to sing and appeared in performances in Aurora (Illinois) High School and in Summer Stock following High School. He and his sister Sandy would sing together and rehearsed his lines and songs. They shared their love of music and creating and kidded each other constantly but always with love. Russ was always kidding with his sister Linda and the story goes that he tried to trade her for a rooster when she was a baby. Russ enjoyed debating with Dick and Tom. He served in the United States Navy in the 1960's. Russ and Carol were married on May 13, 1999. They moved to AZ where they built their dream home. One of his favorite things to do was play tour guide with customers at Ace Express Shuttle, friends, family and anyone else who would listen. Russ will be missed by so many. He leaves us with an emptiness, difficult to bear, but that is by far outweighed by the Blessing that was Russ. Our Lord, happy memories and much love will see us through. Carol's niece texted following his passing "I was at the beach today. We had no rain, no clouds in the sky. It was after 6:00pm this small rainbow appeared in the sky. I think Mr. Dexter was telling us he had arrived". Rest in peace Russ. We are all blessed to have known you.