Donald Russell, 51, of Lejunior, departed this life at his home on Monday, May 18, 2026. He was born on July 20, 1974 in Harlan County, and had lived here most of his life. Donald was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force where he obtained the rank of Staff Sergent. He was exceptionally proud of his service to his country and honored to receive the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal for the actions after the devastating attack of 9/11, and proud to be an F-15 Eagle Crew Chief. After returning home Donald was also a strip job mechanic. He loved shooting guns, and riding through the mountains, finding a way to help children through both the Shriners Children's and St. Judes Hospitals. Donald worked diligently throughout his life to further his education and eventually obtained a Master's Degree in Psychology. He believed in the Baptist faith.

Donald is preceded in death by his parents, Don and Bernice Russell.

Survivors include his brother, Randy Russell and wife, Tammy, Lejunior; his nieces and nephews who he thought of as his own, Jessica (Tyler) Mills, Dalton (Morgan Robbins) Russell, Jacob Russell and Stephen (Linda) Thompson; great-nieces and nephews, Tanner Russell, Laken Overbay, Jaelyn Risner, Jeanetta Thompson, Ryleah Thompson, James Mills, Brody Mills, Anna-Lee Mills and Oaklynn Risner;  and a host of other family and friends.

Evarts Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Donald Russell.