Mancil Ivan Russell

Mancil was born in Kiefer, Oklahoma, the 6th child of his mother Violet (Coffman) Russell and John A. Russell. His brothers were George A., Floyd W. and Fred A. Russell. His sisters were Mildred C. Need, Opal I "Prosper and May E. Arrance., all deceased. Mancil and family had a very much loved step father R. Joe Wilson after their father died in 1934. The family moved west, finally settling in Independence a few years later. Mancil worked on construction of Camp Adair at age 16. He joined the Navy at age 17 and had his 18th birthday in Hawaii on his way to being shipped to the battle zone of the South Pacific during WWII. He returned home after 28 months overseas in 1946 as the war was ending, Mancil went to work on a cement crew that his stepfather was directing, was taught by his stepfather and became a skilled union cement mason. Mancil could do any job he set his hand to; logging, road construction, dam construction, handling blasting, anything as the opportunity arose, He always returned to cement work. Mancil and family returned to Independence in 1956. Mancil loved the ocean, fishing, boats, painting vehicles, remodeling houses and constructing his own buildings. He became a member of the Monmouth Evangelical Church in the late 1970's and helped much on the restoration and upkeep of that fine old building. Mancil also helped Habitat for Humanity and was always ready to help anyone with any project. He was a life member of American Legion Post #33 and was active while able. Mancil suffered a stroke in 2004, complicated by partial paralysis and dementia, disabling him for these 6 ½ years. Mancil's family have been with him day and night these last 6 days of his life since his health took a sudden and final turn. Mancil entered heaven with his daughter holding his hand. Mancil was our beloved, Mancil leaves his wife of 63 years, Ramona; his sons, Mancil E. (Jennifer) and Steven J. (Martha) Russell and his daughter Diana J. Mitzel (David), all of Independence. Grandchildren, Clint Russell, Myra Russell, Kimberly Russell, Michelle (Jamal) Conard, Heather (Phil) Irwin, Kyle Pairan, Scott (Kelly) Mitzel and Tammy (Corbin) Voigt. Great grandchildren Dylan, Kashmir, Logan, Corbin, Kayden, Brady, Jaxson, Jacob, Alison, Tyler and Ethan. The family thanks the staff at Independence Evergreen and Mid Willamette Hospice for their care and comfort to Mancil and to us all.