Russell J. Engle
Last Updated on November 11, 2026 by Cass County Communication Network
Russell Junior Engle, 98, of Galveston, passed away peacefully into heaven on November 6, 2026. He was born in Tomball, Texas, on May 9, 1928, to the late Garl and Olga (Petrich) Engle. When he was 11 years old, his family relocated to Groomsville, Indiana, where he later graduated from Prairie High School.
In 1950, he married the love of his life, Rose. Together, they built a beautiful life and shared 74 wonderful years of marriage.
Russell was a proud veteran who served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War, stationed in Germany as a radio operator. Following his military service, he worked his entire career with Chrysler, until his retirement in 1987.
Russell had a deep love for the outdoors and found joy in the simple pleasures of life. Each summer, he planted a large garden and generously shared its bounty with family, neighbors, and friends. He also took great pride in tending to his flowers.
Summers often found Russell fishing at the family cottage on the Wabash River. He had a special knack for fishing and could almost always outcatch anyone who joined him. If you knew Russell, chances are you were the lucky recipient of some of his catch! When fall arrived, it was time for deer hunting. And when winter came, Russell and Rose headed to their home in Florida, where he could once again enjoy his favorite pastime of fishing.
Russell never met a stranger and made friends wherever he went. He loved visiting with people and could keep everyone entertained with stories for hours. He and Rose also enjoyed traveling together, exploring nearly all of the contiguous United States, as well as Alaska and Hawaii.
His faith was an important part of his life. Russell was an active member of McNeely Christian Church, where he participated in the men’s group and served faithfully as a deacon for many years. He never missed an opportunity to share how richly God had blessed him throughout his life.
Only second to the love of his Savior was Russell’s love for his family, of whom he was incredibly proud. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren brought him immeasurable joy and he could often be heard bragging about them.
He is survived by his sister, Shirley Totter; his son, Michael; his daughter, Catherine (Scott) Simpson; his granddaughters, Allison (Doug) Spinks and Caitlin (Matthew) Shrack; and his great-grandsons, Alec and Carson.
In memory of Russell, donations may be made to McNeely Christian Church, designated for the Youth Ministry.
Funeral services will be Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 12:00 noon at Murray Weaver Funeral Home in Galveston with Pastor Jeff Chitwood officiating. Burial will follow in the Galveston Cemetery with military honors graveside. Friends and family may visit from 10:00 a.m. until service time at 12:00 noon at the funeral home. Murray Weaver Funeral Home is honored to serve the Engle Family.