Mr. John Frederick "Fred" Russell, age 90, of Vevay, Indiana, entered this life on August 19, 1925, in Dayton, Kentucky, the loving son of the late Edwin Ambrose and Gladys (LaFary) Russell. Fred was inducted into the United States Army at the age of 18 in June of 1944 serving during World War II. After his basic training in Fort McClellan, Alabama he went for specialized training in the Army Airborne Division in Fort Benning, Georgia where he became a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne and the 82nd Airborne Divisions. In his military career, he made 22 jumps. After his training, he crossed the ocean on a French aircraft carrier and reached England. He crossed England in a freight car and jumped over the Rhine River in Germany which was in enemy territory. After Germany surrendered he was stationed in France until being shipped back to Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Even though he could not speak French he communicated with the French farmers in the area because he too was a farmer and they understood each other. He road in the Victoria Day parade in New York City and was honorably discharged with the rank of Private after Japan surrendered in August of 1946. After being discharged, he returned to graduate in 1947 from Simon Kenton High School in Boone County Ky. He earned his bachelor's degree in education at the University of Kentucky and later received his master's in education. Fred was united in marriage on May 8, 1948 in Lexington, Kentucky to the late Rudell LaVerne "Rudy" Stanfield and to this union arrived four daughters, Melody, Cindy, Laurie and Dawn to bless their home. Fred and Rudy shared 54 years of marriage together until she passed away on June 6, 2002. Fred was an agricultural teacher for the Switzerland County High School retiring in 1988, after 28 years of service. He also taught in Milan and Versailles, Indiana for 7 years. Fred was a member of the National Muzzle Loaders Association, the Classroom Teacher's and the Retired Teacher's Associations. He was the Reserve Sheriff's Deputy for the Switzerland County Sheriff's Department and for the Ripley County's Sheriff's Department. He was also the Reserve Deputy for the Friendship Muzzle Loaders Fall Shoot for 40 years. Fred was an FFA Advisor for the Switzerland County School Corporation. Fred rang the New Year in annually with several blasts from his cannon which echoed loud booms over the town of Vevay for over 50 years. He attended the Mount Sterling Baptist Church in Mount Sterling, Indiana. On March 2, 2012, Fred was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel. Fred will be remembered for his love of farming, camping, motorcycles, family reunions, his horses and his family. Every year he enjoyed taking his family, especially his grandchildren, to Florida. Fred died at 10:38 am, Saturday, September 12, 2015, at his residence in Vevay, Indiana.

Fred will be missed by his loving daughters: Cindy Borton & her husband: Jim of Tipp City, OH & Dawn Ransdell & her husband: Ed of Vevay, IN; his son-in-law: Jon E. Smith of Vevay, IN; his grandchildren: Kable McAlpine & his wife: Tricia, Josh Borton & his wife: Jean, Serenedy Smith-Ericsson & her husband: Mike, Maraiah Russell & her husband: Heath Hurst, Joe Borton & his wife: Catherine, Amanda Ransdell, Sarah Russell & Zachary Barrett; his great-grandchildren: Alec, Hailey, Brooke, Haley, John, Gracie, Lilly, Luke, Marin, Kole & Chloe; his sister-in-law: Jean Russell of Independence, KY & his several nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Edwin Ambrose & Gladys (LaFary) Russell: his wife of 54 years: Rudell LaVerne "Rudy" (Stanfield) Russell, died June 6, 2002; his daughters: Melody Smith, died November 22, 2014 & Laurie Barrett, died July 9, 2015; his brothers: Ray & Donald Russell & his sisters: Wanda Huff & Libby Hiles.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, September 19, 2015, at 11:00 am, by Bro. Kevin Russell, at the Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home, 208 Ferry Street Vevay, Indiana 47043.

Interment will follow in the Vevay Cemetery, Vevay, Indiana. Full military rites will be conducted by the Honor Guard of the Vevay American Legion Post #185 & the Vevay VFW Post #5396 at the cemetery.

Friends may call 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Friday, September 18, 2015, at the Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home 208 Ferry Street Vevay, Indiana 47043.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of King's Daughters' Hospital. Cards are available at the funeral home.

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