Steven Russell

What a long, strange trip it's been...

Steve Russell was born in Noblesville, Indiana to Rex Russell and Judith Levy. He spent his youth growing up in Indiana with three brothers and three sisters and found his calling to the open road at a young age. He spent 43 years driving the highways and back roads of the United States, logging over five million miles. He not only visited every state in the continental United States, he drove through all 3,007 counties in the lower 48 states, embracing the diversity of his fellow Americans and taking time to hear their stories. He shared remarkable tales from the road, including a time when he and a couple of other truckers came upon an accident scene and pulled four college students from a vehicle teetering on a cliff in the mountains of Colorado. The car tumbled over the edge mere moments after they were able to pull the last young lady out. He had an impeccable driving record with only one accident, which was caused by a mechanical failure in the truck rather than driver error. In 1974, Steve enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard, and once again, his service was focused on helping others. During the northern Indiana Blizzard of 1978, Steve was part of a unit which trucked in supplies to snowbound neighborhoods, including the one he called home in South Bend. He served with dignity and was honorably discharged in 1979.

Steve inherited a love for auto racing from his father and was a lifelong fan of the Indianapolis 500 and, later, NASCAR racing. From his youthful exuberance partying in the infield at The 500, to then bringing his sons to the track to share his passion, he attended dozens of live racing events and enjoyed watching them on television when he could no longer attend in person. He was also a lover of good music and the parties that surrounded a classic rock or outlaw country concert. He attended the Willie Nelson Picnic in Texas multiple times and relished the joy he found in live music and the camaraderie among the fans. His hours and hours on the road were backed by a soundtrack that included songs by The Allman Brothers Band, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Heart, Bob Seger, The Grateful Dead, Little Feat, and many more.

In addition to his lifelong love of music, Steve was a fan of classic films and science fiction. He held a keen interest in what may be out in the universe beyond Earth, opening his mind to the possibilities of alien life and paranormal activity. When Star Trek debuted in 1966, it captured young Steve's imagination and began a lifelong love of the franchise. Few, if any, could match his knowledge of Star Trek trivia. His ability to recall every episode and dialogue from the series was unrivaled. It was another thing he enjoyed sharing with his family. And family was what was most important to Steve. He was a wonderful big brother and always stood up for his younger siblings not only as kids, but throughout his life. He was the first call when a hand was needed or advice was sought. He spent hours on the phone comforting his siblings through hard times, bringing kindness, patience, wisdom, and humor to every conversation. He was a master of quick wit and his laughter rang clear as a bell. Steve was a man with a moral compass that never wavered. He stood tall and strong in the most difficult situations and extended his hand to those in need without ever thinking twice. His love and compassion were unequaled. He leaves a legacy that will shine eternally. From early childhood on, Steve was the Best Buddy.

Steve was preceded in death by his mother Judith Levy and father Rex Russell, older brother Jeffrey and his beloved little sister Dana. Those left to cherish his memory and share stories of his remarkable life are his former wife Janet Russell and sons Matthew Russell and Joseph (Stephanie) Russell, his informally adopted son Benjamin Hansen, as well as his stepmother Beverly Russell, brothers Melvin Russell, David (Brooke) Russell, his sisters Rebecca Russell and Claudia Russell, and stepsister Lydia Shelton. Steve is also survived by his nephews Jonathan Hansen, Dominic Russell, and Nathan Dancy, his niece Lauren Russell, several great-nephews and great-nieces, his uncle and aunt, and dear cousins.

Visitation will be held at Cruz Family Funeral Home, 1109 Lincolnway West in Osceola, Indiana on Friday, August 22nd from 3pm-5pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project in support of veterans harmed in the line of duty.