Stephen Ray Russell

Stephen Ray Russell, 74, a lifelong resident of Cranfills Gap, passed away at home on August 24, 2025 due to complications from cancer. He was born January 28, 1951 to Homer James Russell and Elsie Irene Stanford Russell and was welcomed home by three brothers: Jimmy, Ronnie and Tommie. Farming and ranching was a way of life for the family, and this love of western culture remained with Steve.

He graduated from Cranfills Gap High School in 1969 and Hill Junior College in 1971 with a concentration in accounting. He was employed by Bosque County Appraisal District for many years.

Steve was avid of supporter of the Gap Lions and served on the city council, volunteer fire department, and various Septemberfest committees.

In 1979, he married Cheryl Dopson in Clifton, Tx. A son, Brent Andrew Russell, Steve's pride, joy, and lifetime friend, was born in 1985. He was an active parent, always available for Brent's activities.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jimmy Russell and Ronnie Russell, sisters-in- law Kay Russell (Ronnie) and Ann Russell (Tommie). He is survived by his son Brent, brother Tommie, sister-in-law Sandra Russell, as well as nieces Amy Nelson and Lori Coakley, and nephews Mark Russell and Brad Russell.

A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Lawson Funeral Home in Meridian, Texas. A memorial service will follow on Tuesday, September 2, 2025  at 2:00 p.m. at Lawson Funeral Home in Meridian, Texas. The family requests any donations to be made in Steve's name be made to the Cranfills Gap High School Laverne Pendleton Scholarship Fund - First Security State Bank c/o Rita Hanson, PO Box 87 Cranfills Gap, Texas 76637.

Arrangements were entrusted to Lawson Funeral Home, Meridian, Texas 254-435-2792.