Russell Earl Jeter passed from this life on February 8, 2017 in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 69. Russell and his twin sister, Rita, were born August 23, 1947 to Earl and Pearl (Bluhm) Jeter in Seagraves, Texas.
He is proceeded in death by his parents and sister, Rita Matthews.
Survivors include daughters Tanya (Mike) Snead of San Diego, CA and Melissa “Lisa” (Adam) Small of Madisonville, TN. Sons surviving are Ryan (Heather) Jeter and Adam Jeter both of San Antonio, TX. Russell leaves behind fourteen grandchildren to cherish his memory and seven great-grandchildren along with aunts Della (Jimmy) Linehan of Natalia, TX and Dora (Frank) Hooker of Devine, TX and many cousins and friends.
He grew up in Bloomington, CA and was proud to join the United States Army right after graduating. His tours took him from Korea, where he served as a Cryptographic Technician, to Vietnam, in joint operations with the United States Air Force as an Infantry Operations Intelligence Specialist. He ended his service as an E-9. Once he finished college, he joined the Army Reserve as an Officer and proudly served several years. He was an amazing artist, as a hobby, and had a passion for history, as he could tell dates, names, and locations of any historical events.
Russell was an Architect Draftsman by trade, designing anything from a skyscraper to a model windmill. His love for John Wayne was far greater than anyone could dream and was a very detailed and passionate collector of his movies and memorabilia.
Russell loved to help people and expected nothing in return. He enjoyed the feeling of making someone else’s life easier. He loved to spread his knowledge and would have been an amazing History Professor or Architect Drafting instructor at a university. Thanks to his good friend Michael Mercado, Russell was able to showcase his talent, and began what he’d hoped to be in woodworking his final business venture “The Heart of Veteran.”
Graveside service was held Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at 10:15 with military honors, at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, TX.
There was no visitation prior to services at the Hurley Funeral Home in Devine, Texas.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hurley Funeral Home.