Edward Andrew Russell, known throughout his life as Andy, passed away at home in Salem, Utah, on January 14, 2026, with his loved ones near, after succumbing to a fast-moving neurological disorder, exactly five years following the death of his first wife, Shirley. He returned to his heavenly home and into the arms of our loving Father in Heaven, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his eternal companion, Shirley, and other family and friends who were awaiting that joyous reunion.

Andy was born May 23, 1962 in Gallatin, Tennessee, the sixth of seven children of John Adam Russell, Jr. and Mary Esther Strauss Russell. He grew up in Gallatin with five sisters: Patricia, Elisa, Ronalda, Mary Lynn, and Valerie; and one brother, John.

He joined the U.S. Navy as a young man, attended Naval Submarine School, and served on a nuclear submarine starting out as a Data Systems Technician, then was transferred topside to a naval carrier ship and served under the captain.

During his early years in the Navy, he met the love of his life, Shirley Ann Stephens Flanagan, in California. She was 16 years older than him, and she had seven children, a couple of them not much younger than Andy. As a testimony to his character, he took on the responsibility of husband and father, honored to be both. He dedicated his life to Shirley and their new family.

After his honorable release from the Navy, Andy was employed as a construction inspector for PG&E, and also served in the U.S. Naval Reserves for a total of 8 years serving his country. In 1989, the family moved to Fairfield, California. Andy went to work for Diablo Valley College as a campus officer and decided to continue a career in law enforcement by attending Contra Costa County Police Academy, graduating from the 148th Academy. He then went to work as a Deputy Sheriff for Contra Costa County.

At age 30, Andy joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and dedicated his life to the Lord, his church, and his family. Shortly thereafter, he and Shirley and their family were sealed in the temple for time and eternity.

Andy’s faith and testimony carried over to his profession. He would laugh as he related that many of the folks he arrested during his law enforcement duties couldn’t wait to get out of his patrol car because he would talk about Christ and how they needed to change their ways. The arrestees just knew he was driving the long way to the jail so he could get the lesson out!

Following his retirement from law enforcement, after an on-the-job injury, he and Shirley felt the Lord call them to La Pine, Oregon, where they moved, and his dedicated service to the Lord and his love of service to his fellow men came even more alive as he built a tight and loving relationship with all those whom he and Shirley served and served with.

In service to The Church of Jesus of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Andy was called in many leadership capacities: Elders Quorum President, Bishop, and High Councilor, but what he was gifted at was ministering. He loved people and wanted them to find peace in the Lord’s gospel. He met people where they were and helped them feel loved without judgment. He was not shy or reserved in his love for them and what he thought they needed to hear! He loved missionary work and was “all in” working with the mission president closely, driving the missionaries around, housing them when needed, and lifting them spiritually at all times. He accomplished all this service with his eternal companion, Shirley, at his side. The phrase he was known for was “God’s got a plan.” He didn’t like the administrative side of his work life or his church service; he always preferred to be a “boots on the ground guy!” Andy was gifted with the ability to listen to the Lord and to serve his children, and he was loved by all those he came into contact with.

After Shirley’s seven-year battle with cancer, she passed away in 2021. Following Shirley’s death, he became even more dedicated to serving those around him. In March of 2025, he met Karen Baadsgaard Gull, a mother-in-law to one of the sister missionaries, whom he had provided a home to and developed a friendship with many years before, when Andy had served as a bishop. In May of that year, Andy happily relocated to Utah, where he said he would never live! Andy and Karen were married in May of 2025, and lived in Salem, Utah. At the time of his death, they were serving at the LDS Church Headquarters in the Military Relations Mission. In the last few months of his life, he lived pain-free, worked like a 20-year-old, was happy, and was loved by Karen with her whole heart and soul, and was the recipient of the love of Karen’s four sons, daughters-in-law, and grandkids, who joyfully welcomed him into the family! He loved and was loved by all who knew him; he made each individual feel special and loved.

Andy also enjoyed the outdoors, snowmobiling, riding in side-by-sides, and paddle boarding.

He is survived by his loving wife, Karen Russell; and children: Melanie N. (Terance) Hamrick of Oregon, Nanette M. (Michael) Flanagan of California; Eric G. (Jessica) Flanagan of California; Cara L. (Matt) York of Texas; Dana A. (Cliff) Hirl of Texas; Johanna F. (Eric) Davis of Texas, 9 grandchildren and one great grandchild. He is also survived by his siblings: Patricia (Garry) Davidson, Elisa (Ron) McDole, Ronalda (Darrell) Smith, Mary Lynn (Steve) McGrew, John A. (Pam) Russell, and Valerie (Tom) Gorski. Andy is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Ann Russell; and his son, Troy S. Flanagan.

A graveside service, with Military Honors, will be held for family only. Additionally, on February 7, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. there will be a visitation, where family and friends may gather, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Chapel, 52680 Day Road, LaPine, Oregon 97739.

There will also be a funeral service in Utah, on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, 470 East Salem Canal Road, Salem, Utah 84653