Don Russell

Justin Donald “Don” Russell, 95, of Pampa, passed away on December 30, 2025, in Pampa.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, January 5, 2026, at Fairview Cemetery, with Herb Smith, of Everyman’s Bible Class, officiating. Arrangements and burial are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Don’s family asks that attendees wear green and white in honor of his beloved Mean Green of The University of North Texas.

Don will be available for viewing from 1:00- 5:00 PM on Saturday, January 3, 2026, and from 1:00- 5:00 PM on Sunday, January 4, 2026.

Don was born on April 9, 1930, in Plainview to Maude and Oral Russell. When Don was young, the family would move to Pampa where Don attended school. He spent a lot of his teenage years playing pool and snooker at the Pampa Athletic Club, a passion and hobby that would carry on for much of his life. Don would join the United States Navy and was very proud of his service. After leaving the Navy, he enrolled at The University of North Texas and joined the Kappa Sigma fraternity. Kappa Sigma was a big part of his life, and he considered his fraternity brothers his family.

Don went on to work for the United States Government after graduating, working as a computer programmer. He lived in the suburbs of Washington, DC, but travelled all over the country programming computers at countless military bases. He retired in 1987 after 30 years of service and moved back home to Pampa.

Don was an avid golfer and was a member of Pampa Country Club for decades, he played in the Warren Hart Top o’ Texas tournament every year with his cousins. Don was also a faithful attendee with the Everyman’s Bible Class at the First Baptist Church. He also had a passion for electronics and collected many different electronic appliances. Don will be best remembered for his passion for pool and golf, and his generosity.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Elvie Knoxine Cotham.

He is survived by two cousins, Mike Tice and wife Mamie of North Richland Hills, and Perry Tice and wife Jan of Aurora, Colorado; his dear friends, Lynn Allison, Dale Kessel, Gene Hall, and Wesley Green, all of Pampa; as well as many more friends and other extended family members.

Don’s family would also like to thank the staff at Interim Hospice and Pampa Nursing Center for all their help in caring for Don.

Military honors will be conducted by Volleys for Veterans of Amarillo.

Charitable donations in Don’s Honor may be made to the Pampa Senior Citizens Center, 500 W. Francis Ave, Pampa, Tx, 79065.