Russell Edward Deards, Jr., a resident of the Oklahoma City area since 1969, was called to reside in his Heavenly home on Friday, November 2, 2007, at the age of 74. He was born October 11, 1933 in Chicago, Illinois to Dorothy Elizabeth (MagnussonJohnson) and Russell Edward Deards, Sr. From 1953 to 1957, Russell honorably served his country in the United States Navy. He was an electrical and sound system specialist by trade, also working for many years in sales, insurance and service management prior to his employment with the State of Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services. A faithful member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Russell was a member of the Board of Elders, active in the Mission Outreach and sang in the church choir. Russell is preceded in death by his parents; former wife and mother of his children, Barbara (Browder); brother, James Deards. Russell leaves cherished memories with his loving wife, Dorothy Louise (Wagner) Deards of the home; daughter, Ruth April Deards-Lee and husband Brian of Seattle, Washington; son, John Deards of Oklahoma City; stepson, Alan Spoonemore and wife Angel of Choctaw; stepson, Noel Spoonemore; stepdaughter, Adra Peters and husband Ken; stepson, Phillip Spoonemore, all of Oklahoma City; grandchildren, Kippen and Keegan Lee of Seattle, Washington; sister, Joyce Hallsten and husband Ron of Roswell, New Mexico; brother-in-law, Robert Wagner and wife Barbara of Belle Plaine, Kansas; sister-inlaw, Carolyn Sloan and husband Darryl of Oklahoma City; aunt, Alma Flanagan of Grass Valley, California; many other friends, family and colleagues. Interment was held with Military Honors on Nov. 8, 2007 at Fort Sill National Cemetery in Elgin, OK. Memorial info at: www.holycrossokc.org www.legacy.com.