David Russell passed away peacefully at his home in Pittsburg, Kansas, on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026. He was 85.

David was born on June 19, 1941, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, to Chloe and Thomas Victor (T.V.) Russell. He grew up in Tahlequah, where he attended high school and met the love of his life and future wife, Elenore. A gifted tennis player, he won the 1958 Oklahoma state doubles championship and was later inducted into the Tahlequah High School Sports Hall of Fame. He went on to serve in the National Guard for four years before beginning his education.

David earned his undergraduate degree at Northeastern State University before attending dental school at the University of Missouri–Kansas City. After a painful experience with dental care as a teenager, he was determined to become the kind of dentist he wished he'd had. He brought that compassion to the dental practice he built in Pittsburg, Kansas, serving the community for more than 46 years.

David was an avid outdoorsman and fisherman, equally at home casting into the local strip pits as he was at his cabin on Lake Tenkiller, where his annual fishing trips with the guys became legendary. He took his shore lunches every bit as seriously as the fishing itself. Friends and family always looked forward to Dave's famous fish fry, a recipe he took pride in perfecting over the years, and an invitation was coveted. His love of hosting one meant, conveniently, that he always had good reason to spend more time on the water — a virtuous cycle, if there ever was one.

In addition to fishing, David had no shortage of hobbies. He was a skilled woodworker, a project enthusiast always looking for an excuse to buy a new piece of equipment, and a finger-picking guitar player perpetually on the hunt for his next instrument. He led the Back Row Boys, a beloved booster club and group of superfans, at Pittsburg High football games, and he remained an enthusiastic tennis player and fan throughout his life. He loved his many Labrador retrievers like family.

David was fiercely proud of his family. His greatest joy was the life he and Elenore built around their family and friends. Their home was a place where people gathered, stories grew longer, laughter came easily, and there was usually something good to eat or drink. He celebrated that life often, raising his glass at every family gathering and declaring, “My cup runneth over.” It was a fitting toast for a man whose life, full of family, friends, laughter, and years well spent, overflowed until the very end.

David is survived by his wife of 62 years, Elenore; his children, Christy Altaratz (Ethan), Karen Russell (Scott Leff), and Mike Russell (Leslie); and nine grandchildren. He also leaves behind extended family who held a special place in his heart, including his niece, Sonia Pat Steele; his brother-in-law, James Print Gragg, and James's wife, Elaine Gragg; and his sister-in-law, Ann Hollingsworth Lynch.

A service will be held at First United Methodist Church on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to ‘Give Kids A Smile’ at adafoundation.org or to First United Methodist Church in Pittsburg at fumcpittsburg.com. Online condolences can be left at www.brennermortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary.