[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 124 (Thursday, September 19, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H5669]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             IN HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE OF MR. JERRY RUSSELL

  (Mr. VEASEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. VEASEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Mr. 
Jerry Russell, a man dedicated to his family and his community, who 
passed away on September 5, 2013. Mr. Russell was a generous man who 
committed his life to the Fort Worth theater community for 35 years.
  A Rhode Island native, Mr. Russell made his home in Fort Worth, 
Texas, in 1973. It was there that he left a well-paying job at National 
Cash Register to pursue his career and dream. He started Stage West 
Theater in 1978. Mr. Russell led Stage West by taking risks and never 
giving up on what became one of the early foundations of the early Fort 
Worth theatrical community. Now Stage West is a major supporter of 
local theater performance and the arts in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
  While he did not attend college, he became a theater teacher at my 
alma mater, Texas Wesleyan University, where he spread his love and 
passion for theater to his students. He was a major supporter for the 
development and funding of the arts in Texas schools and communities.
  I would be remiss if I didn't mention that in his spare time outside 
of the theater, he loved rooting for the Texas Rangers. Go Rangers.
  He will always be regarded as a true talent and benefactor to not 
only the Fort Worth community but to the State of Texas. I offer my 
condolences to his friends and family. In addition to his wife, Suzi 
McLaughlin, he leaves his five children, Christopher Neal Russell, Joe 
Russell, Kathy Russell, Jennifer Russell James, and my friend, Texas 
Senator Wendy Davis. He also leaves his legacy behind with 11 beautiful 
grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
  May he rest in peace and his legacy and contributions to the arts 
never be forgotten.

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