Verna Stanley Russell, 90, of Brownwood, passed away Monday, January 11, 2021. Stanley will be in state at Heartland Funeral Home until the graveside service Saturday, January 16, 2021 at 2:00 PM in Greenleaf Cemetery in Brownwood officiated by Rick Phelps.

Stanley was born September 8, 1930 in Coleman County to Henry and Ola Irene Russell. He graduated from Grosvenor high school and joined the US Army. Stanley married Betty Morelock on February 24, 1953 in Brown County. He learned to weld as a young man and continued welding as a hobby in off time but worked at Santa Fe Railroad for over 30 years as a car inspector. Stanley enjoyed playing music on his guitar and fiddles that he hand-made himself. He loved to build fiddles and guitars and give them to his family and friends. In his off time, Stanley enjoyed to fish, camp and drink beer in his younger days. He taught his grandchildren his fishing skills and enjoyed spending time with them. Stanley loved chocolate of any kind and while living in the nursing home he would talk the ladies into bringing him a chocolate bar and Dr. Pepper almost daily. Stanley attended church at Victory Baptist and loved his friends and family.

Stanley is survived by his daughter, Mary Kay Allen of Early; son, Stan Russell and fiancé Sue Trowbridge of Lake Brownwood; 10 grandchildren with too many great grandchildren and great great-grandchildren to count as well as friends.

Stanley was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty Russell; son, Michael Eugene Russell and son-in-law, Richard Allen.

Online condolences, tributes and memorials can be shared with family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net.