Obituary of Kirby Frank Russell

Kirby Frank Russell was born to the union of K.R. Russell and Lynella Alma Cruse Russell August 24, 1945, and passed into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior March 4, 2020, after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's Disease. Visitation will be at Kelly Baptist Church, Kelly, Louisiana March 7, 2020 from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM at Kelly Baptist Church, Kelly, Louisiana with the Reverands Larry Stafford and Bob Lonidine officiating. Private interment will be at Welcome Home Cemetery at a later date. He was proceded in death by his parents, step-father, Rev. John Scarf, paternal grandparents, Kirby and Emma Jane Bass Russell, maternal grandparents, Frank and Mattie Sorrell Harris Cruse, two uncles, Willard and Ezra Russell, and late wife, Barbara Ann Smith Russell. Kirby attended Kelly Elementary School, Columbia High School, and graduated from Northeast Louisiana State University with a BA in History. Kirby served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He spent 4 years working with the Dallas, Texas Police Department before going to work as a Special Agent with Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. He was attached to the New Orleans then the Baton Rouge ATF field offices. Shooting on the ATF Pistol Team, he went on to become the U.S. Target Pistol Champion. Kirby was fortunate enough to be able to retire after 20 years of service, and still young enough to "play." He raised Long Horn cattle so that he could team rope. He was a cowboy. He was an avid coon hunter when he was younger, but his love of whitetail deer hunting was everlasting. If he wasn't hunting, he was preparing to hunt. He always had a project and could out work men half his age. He was a kind and loving husband, father, and grandfather. A true gentleman who never failed to open doors and assist ladies with their coats. A Christian who loved his Lord and helped those in need. Kirby is survived by his loving wife, caregiver, and hunting partner, Helen Alexander Crump Russell of Mer Rouge, Louisiana, son Kirby Russell (Nikki) of Cherryville, North Carolina, daughter Monica Renee Russell Liberatore (Philip) of Mer Rouge, Louisiana, two grandchildren, Dustin Russell of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Seth Russell of Cherryville, North Carolina. His step-son, Charles A. Hodges (Shani) of Natchez, Mississippi, stepdaughter, Melissa Davis of Slaughter, Louisiana, step-son Chuck Davis of Texas, step-grandson, Chance Davis, step-granddaughter, Chelsie Davis. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Margaret Crup Biscotto of Texas, 2 special cousins, Sonny Drew (Barry) of New Hampshire, and William Rocha (Dana) of Texas, and his aunts Earline Russell and Elaine Russell and their families. His furry child, Bear Russell, who took every step with him for 4 years. Honorary Pallbearers are Kirby's ATF brothers, Paul Rash, Bob Rash, Lloyd Grafton, Wade Rasberry, David Shanks and his hunting buddies, David Chop, Todd Chop, Jeff Chop, Blaine Chop, and his lifelong friend, Kenneth Childress. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be sent to Kelly Baptist Church, Kelly, Louisiana 71441, Concordia PAWS 1212 1st St. Ferriday, Louisiana 71334, or the charity of your choice.