Ronald J. Russell

Ronald Jack Russell was born in Indianapolis on March 05, 1938 to Chester and Helen Russell.
He was a member of the class of ’56 at Howe High School and studied civil engineering through Purdue University. In the late 50’s Ron was rock’n the Indianapolis teen scene as a lead singer of the famous Five Stars. Believe it or not, the Five Stars were featured on American Band Stand in 1957! You may have heard his legendary vocals on the hit songs “Atom Bomb Baby” and “Pickin on the Wrong Chicken.” For years to come, Ron continued to play music, most notably with the Accents who recorded four albums and entertained music lovers from cost to cost…even in Canada. The Accents were also featured on a weekly local television show called Alive with the Accents. Ron touched many souls and helped make many memories towards the end of his music career while performing with the Deuces Wild. He was a cool cat and a wonderful husband, dad, uncle and papaw.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sharon Russell Brune (sister), Andrew Russell (son), Brittany Coryell (granddaughter) and Jacqueline Russell (granddaughter).

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 57 years, Maria Russell; a son and daughter-in-law, RJ and Stacy Russell; a daughter, Angela Russell Williams; grandchildren Bailey Chapple, Jackson Russell and Jase Russell; great-grandchildren Lily McDougal and Sophia McDougal; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Ron enjoyed seeing the sights while traveling, boating with his honey on beautiful summer evenings, playing euchre, fishing and watching his beloved television, especially when the Pacers or Colts were playing! So, in memory of the “BIG R,” let’s yell at the TV a few extra times while cheering on our favorite sports team, sit in the car with the windows down and work a cross word puzzle, tell a joke at an inappropriate time and/or just be a wonderful, loving human being. He will be missed and never forgotten. Cheers, Ronnie!