Russell Ingraham

Russell Lawrence ‘Papaw' Ingraham passed away at his home on Friday, November 25, 2016 in Odessa, Texas surrounded by his family.

Russell was born in Oglesby, OK to Russell and Alice Ingraham on May 20, 1938. He grew up in Oklahoma City and came to Odessa in 1958. He attended Odessa College and worked at The Boys Club. Russell met Joyce Maxine Hewitt on a blind date and they married Friday, November 13, 1964. They enjoyed 52 blessed years of marriage.

Russell retired from Central Freight Lines in 1990 after 22 years of service. He worked at Cloth World for seven years until the store closed.

Papaw, as he was affectionately called, adored his family. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. He loved attending their sporting events/practices, choir concerts, and school programs. He called his grandkids daily to check up on scores and grades or just to visit. He loved game shows and you did not call or come by around 6:00 p.m. as Jeopardy was on and he was not to be interrupted. He could pretty much answer every question. Saturday nights were "nacho night" and he had it down to an art. Before his eyesight began to fail, he loved to read western literature and work cross-word puzzles. He loved his in-laws and considered his brothers-in-law to be the brothers he never had.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Gracie Anderson and Georgia Donovan, father and mother-in-law Floyd and Juanita Hewitt, and two brothers-in-law.

He is survived by the love of his life Maxine Ingraham, son Darren Ingraham of Odessa, TX, daughter Sharee and her husband Jerry Byrd of Kerrville, TX; three grandchildren, Caylee "Elizabeth" Byrd of Kerrville, TX, Kelsey Leigh Byrd of Odessa, TX and Taylor Byrd and his wife Alyssa of Groves, TX. and many sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his niece Aislinn Cunningham and her family of Pennsylvania.

The family would like to thank the staff of Interim Health Care and Home Hospice for taking such good care of our Papaw. The family also wishes to extend a special thank you to Ken Murphey for all the love and support he has provided during this difficult time.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, November 28, 2016 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Chapel with Ken Murphey, officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sunset Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home. To sign our guestbook, please visit www.sunsetodessa.com.

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