Russell was born on December 18, 1905, in Holstein, Iowa, to Alfred and Mary Ralston Pattison. He was raised in Holstein and graduated from Holstein High School. On April 12, 1941, he was married to Frances Leila Dodd in Dinsdale, Iowa. The couple farmed near Traer, Iowa following their marriage. Following the death of his wife in 1967 he moved to Moline, Illinois and was married to Mamie Chloe Skinner on November 4, 1971. He worked as a custodian for the Moline School District. Russell and Mamie moved to Woodhull, Illinois in 1976. Mamie died in 1992 and he moved to Grinnell, Iowa to make his home. Russell was a skilled carpenter and enjoyed playing the piano, organ and his coronet. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. Survivors include one son, Doran Pattison of Wilshire, England; four grandchildren, Sheila Swanson of Grinnell, Julie Romero of Tucson, AZ, Edward Pattison of West Valley City, Utah and Troy Pattison of Egan, Minnesota; and eight great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by both of his wives; his parents; and four sisters.