Roy Eugene “Gene” Russell, 88, of Nashville, passed away Monday, May 16, 2016, in Columbus.

Born March 24, 1928, in Parsons, Kansas, the son of Wayne and Agnes “Lela” (Stephenson) Russell, Gene served his country in the United States Navy. He retired as financial officer at Phillips Petroleum North Sea Operation in Norway. Prior to that, he worked for Phillips in London, England, as well as in Oklahoma. He and his wife, Mary Lou, moved to Brown County and opened a bed and breakfast, Russells’ Roost, on Greasy Creek Road.

Gene was a member of many organizations in the community: Friends of the Brown County Public Library where he served as treasurer, the Brown County Historical Society, Brown County Lions and St. David’s Episcopal Church, the latter two where he enjoyed sharing his pancake expertise. He also enjoyed organized square dancing, playing bridge and he was a former volunteer with little league and Cub Scouts.

Gene is survived by his children, Jennifer (Charles) Hollingsworth of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Sharon (Leslie) Turvey of Hertfordshire, England, and Richard (Carol) Russell and Dana (Marc) Skirvin, both of Nashville; nine grandchildren, Brandon, Adam and Jared Hollingsworth, Alison, Alex and Adam Turvey, Clifford Russell and Adrienne “Anne” and Mary Skirvin; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Mary Lou (Main) Russell.

A memorial service will be conducted at St. David’s Episcopal Church, at state roads 135 North and 45 in Bean Blossom, at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 31. A reception with light refreshments will follow the service. Calling will be from 5 p.m. until the service at the church.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. David’s Episcopal Church memorial garden fund, P.O. Box 1798; the Brown County Historical Society, P.O. Box 668; Friends of the Brown County Public Library, P.O. Box 1184; or Brown County Lions Club, P.O. Box 716, all to Nashville, IN 47448.

Condolences can be sent to the family at bondmitchellfuneralhome.com.