Gordon Russell

Gordon H. Russell, 84, of Mountain Home, died at home on Friday, April 4, 2008.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, April 9, from 4-7 p.m. at Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 10, at 11 a.m. at Rost Funeral Home and burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

Gordon was born on Oct. 17, 1923, in Minneapolis, Minn., to Alice and Paul Russell. He spent his youth and graduated from high school there.

In 1942 he moved to Kansas City to work as an airplane mechanic for the war effort. There he met and married his lifelong companion and wife, Naoma Jean. In 1947 Gordon and Naoma moved to Minneapolis where they lived and raised their three sons.

In 1972 they moved to Mountain Home to own and operate the Highlander Motel and Steak House until he retired.

"Gordon was a man of many traits that represented his well-lived and fulfilling life," his family said. "He was devoted and supportive of his family, a self-made successful businessman who embraced a strong work ethic.

"He always had a twinkle in his eye and a laugh in his heart. He was naturally cheerful, positive and loved to tease everyone as his way of showing affection. He exemplified an active and independent mind that liked to wax philosophical, saying, 'Life is an enigma!' All who met him were impressed by his special charisma, charm and wit," his family added.

"While he had a fairly normal life, he was in essence living the American Dream with a strong family foundation and a life full of ambition. His spirit will be in the hearts of those that knew him and loved him. He will be deeply missed and eternally remembered."

Gordon is survived by: his three sons, James Russell of Mountain Home, Paul Russell of Boise and Wayne Russell of Suisun, Calif.; his brother, Robert Russell of Minneapolis, Minn.; his sister, Carol Russell of Tucson, Ariz., and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Naoma, and his brother, John.