Thomas Kendrick Russell

Thomas Kendrick Russell, 37, died unexpectedly July 27, leaving his family shocked and saddened. We will feel his absence the rest of our lives. Born in Lubbock, Texas, in 1985, Thomas — or Kenny, his nickname as a child — moved to Odessa with his mother and siblings at age 12. His mom, Ruby, had a special nickname for him, too. Only she could call him Chubbo. He and his sister, Kendra, spent part of the year with his dad in Lubbock and his grandparents in New Mexico. He was a sunny child, ready to laugh, tell jokes and try new adventures. He couldn’t wait to go fishing in Taos Canyon with his aunt and uncle and plunged into the icy river without fear. He never lost his love of new experiences. After finishing his formal education in Odessa, where he graduated from Permian High School, Thomas began adult life. He moved to Austin, where he worked in the retail and health care industries. He had a rich life outside of work, learning about other countries and cultures, playing video games and watching anime. A favorite was Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood. When he lost at the video games, he wasn’t above cussing them out — the games were cheating. His biggest role in life was as father to three children — Ciara, Jacob and Deric, who survive him. Thomas and the kids spent hours together, watching movies and playing games. He made sure to take them to the opera and musicals. Every year, the family watched “A Christmas Story” together. He enjoyed sports, as well. Thomas could talk for hours about football, with his favorite teams the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Tech and Alabama. Food — cooking, going out with friends — was a favorite activity. He loved everything from tater tot casserole to ramen noodles. In addition to his children, other survivors include his mother, Ruby Russell of South Carolina, and his father, Carl Russell (Vanessa) of Lubbock. Surviving siblings are Kendra Russell (Aaron DeAnda) of Odessa; Christopher Thompson (Kimberly Ford) of Austin; Chad Dinkins (Maria) of Worcester, Mass.; and Jordan Russell and Jasmine Devroe, both of Lubbock. Other survivors include an aunt, Inez Russell Gomez (David) of Santa Fe, N.M., as well as nephews, Cavan Barrera and Fernando DeAnda of Odessa; niece Taylor Thompson of Austin; niece Kehlani Dinkins of Worcester; and nephew David Barnes Jr. of Lubbock. -Lovingly written by Auntie Inez https://youtube.com/watch?v=BgCotP6vQjg&feature=share https://youtu.be/Uut2R2KJ5Ro

Thomas Kendrick Russell

May 29, 1985 - July 27, 2022