JERRY RAY RUSSELL

May 21, 1942 to March 18, 2026

Yukon, Oklahoma

Jerry's Obituary

Russell, Jerry Ray, of Yukon, OK was set free from this world on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 in Yukon. He was 83 years old. Born May 21, 1942 in Cleveland, OK to Marion Leonard and Ruby Leeily Russell. Jerry grew up in and graduated from Cleveland High School in 1960 where he participated in Speech League, track and field and Speech Play. After graduating he joined the USAF and married his high school sweetheart, Barbara “Ann” Blaney on April 14, 1961.

Jerry had a knack for electronics and served many longterm assignments in communications in Okinawa, Japan, the Azores and several stateside bases. His most memorable assignment was with the White House Communications staff in Washington DC. He retired as a decorated Master Sargent. 

After retirement from the Air Force, Jerry worked for Diebold, Inc for 15 years and finally left work to travel the US with Ann which they did for many years in their RV. He was an avid fisherman and nature lover, instilling an appreciation for the simple things in his kids. He was known for his dry, mischievous sense of humor and his amazing gardening skills. He could tell a story that would leave you laughing and questioning life. If you missed the story the first time, not to worry, he would tell it again.

Jerry is survived by his wife Ann, of the home, who he loved so much that he married her twice. She was his best friend and together they raised three children with questionable good sense and humor; son, Jim Russell of Tuttle, daughter, Alice Farricker and husband Dan of Pike Road, AL, and daughter Penny Janiak and husband Michael of Novato, CA. He was Grandpa and Papa to grandchildren, Alexis Russell-Stone, Jordan McCabe, Danielle Shriver, Zachary Ray Russell, Connor Farricker, Mckenzie Farricker, August Janiak, Riley Farricker and Asher Janiak and six great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Joan Marsh of Ponca City as well as brother in law and best friend, Don Blaney and partner Karen Foreman and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

In 2001 Jerry battled Stage 4 colon cancer and won, giving us the gift of 25 bonus years with him that he did not take for granted. He will be missed. His memory is a blessing.



At his request no memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to St. Jude and Shriner’s Hospitals for Children.