Dennis ( Denny) Kent Russell passed away peacefully at his home on January 3, 2024. He was 82.  The long time Yuma resident was born in Los Angeles, CA on May 31, 1941 to Wilma (Ray) Russell and Gilbert W. Russell.

Dennis spent his childhood in Long Beach, California where he enjoyed swimming at the beach, fishing, making wood objects and model airplanes and learning to play acoustic guitar. As a teenager, he often played music with friends.

He graduated from Long Beach Polytechnic High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1958.
Dennis was stationed at various naval air stations around the country. He trained as an aircraft machinist and used his skills well while serving aboard the aircraft carriers U.S.S. Ranger and U.S.S. Bonhomme Richard. He was active prior to and during the Viet Nam War.

Dennis retired in 1980 in Yuma, Arizona as a First Class Petty Officer after serving his country for over twenty years.

In retirement, Dennis perfected his woodworking talents and became a highly skilled luthier. He repaired and built a variety of stringed instruments, including violins, cellos, basses, mandolins and guitars.

He became very active in Yuma's Territorial Chapter of the Arizona Old Time Fiddlers Association, regularly playing flat pick guitar, mandolin and fiddle in country and bluegrass performances and just jamming with friends.

He helped organize the Annual Worthen Memorial Old Time Fiddlers Contest, contributing handmade wooden trophies for the winners. He was also a regular contributor to the association newsletter.

In addition to playing musical instruments, Dennis also had a beautiful baritone voice and enjoyed karaoke weekly at Daybreakers and American Legion Post 19.

Mr. Russell is preceded in death by his parents, Wilma Monahan and Gilbert W. Russell. He is survived by sisters Pamela (Russell) Sibley of Tucson, Janet (Russell) Geisler of Cottage Grove, MN and by a brother Gilbert Russell, Jr. of Bloomington, MN. He is also survived by niece Erin Reeder of Antioch, CA, dear nieces and nephews Ashley Denise Loftus, Charles R. Towry, E.Scott Dygert, Davin Russell, Ingrid Russell Hofmeister, many cousins and their families.

Dennis will be missed by his family and many friends in the Fiddlers Association and at the VFW and American Legion. His name sits proudly aside those of other veterans on a plaque at the Yuma Armed Forces Park.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Sunset Vista Funeral Home and Crematory in Yuma. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the VFW Post 8242, the American Legion Post 19 or to the Yuma Territorial Chapter of the Arizona Old Time Fiddlers Association. A military memorial service is planned for May, and exact details and dates will be announced at a later date.