CHESTER DARWIN RUSSELL
Chester "Chet" Darwin Russell was born to Burton and Ellen Maxwell Russell on August 29, 1947 in Hartford, Connecticut, the second son of four children. Chet's father died when he was 4, so he learned early on if he wanted something, he would have to work for it. At the age of 6, he began raking leaves, shoveling snow, delivering newspapers, and various other jobs. During this time, he learned an excellent work ethic, which stayed with him for life. When Chet was a little boy, he wanted to be like Davy Crockett. That sense of adventure and exploration remained with him his entire life.
When Chet's mother married Phillip St. John, the family moved to Long Island, where he excelled in lacrosse, football, and wrestling. The family then moved to Statesville, North Carolina, where Chet played football and wrestled, graduating in 1965. He then went to Mitchell Jr. College, and completed an Associate's Degree in Industrial Arts in 1967, He truly was an artist at heart. Chet joined the Air Force in 1969 and began his 4-year experience with the Viet Nam War. He got top honors in his training class and became crew chief on a C-130 plane. He was honorably discharged in 1973 with the rank of Sergeant.
After Chet was discharged, he worked as a chef, delivered flowers in several states, and worked in a motorcycle shop, until he discovered stained glass, which became a great love of his throughout the rest of his life. He worked at Law's-Stained Glass Company for many years.
Because of his kindness, compassion, and love of helping people, Chet decided to become a nurse. He went to nursing school while simultaneously maintaining work at the stained-glass company, where he designed and made stained glass windows as well as installing them. After he received his nursing degree, he worked as a nurse full time. Chet always staying in contact with family. He was like a father to his nephews, guiding them and being there for them like a father.
Chet enjoyed helping others. While in North Carolina, he volunteered to go for an international missions' trip to Nicaragua and help as a nurse to give vaccines, and help with other health issues. He did this as his vacation three weeks a year for 10 years.
During his many vacations, Chet came out west and loved the Silver City area. On one vacation, Chet stopped by Gila Regional Medical Center on the way back home and asked if they were
hiring. They said, "Yes!" and even paid for his moving expenses. Chet went home, immediately resigned, and moved to Silver City, where he worked as a psychiatric nurse until he retired. Chet continued to make stained glass windows until the end of his life.
In Silver City, he was a member of GRMC hospital auxiliary where he helped folks find their way around the hospital. He was active in his church, serving as a greeter, leading prayer in the prayer room, helping with service at the nursing home, ministering to prisoners at the local jail, and serving as camp nurse at the Mimbres Christian Camp.
During his life, Chet was interested in motorcycles (he owned 3), hiking, and exploring, which he called "bushwhacking". He enjoyed finding old rusty "treasures", rocks, and antiques, and he loved exploring old historical places. He was fun-loving, had a witty sense of humor, was kind, and gentle and loved people and dogs. At the tender age of 78, Chet married for the first time the love of his life, Lindy Kerr on February 7, 2026. Chet was a faithful friend, a man who loved life, the outdoors and above all, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Chet went to be with Jesus on July 19, 2026. He is survived by his beloved wife Lindy and her family; a brother, Jim (Maureen) of Suffield, Connecticut; a sister Patricia Clayton of Fort Mill, South Carolina; 4 nephews: James Russell, Sean Pace, and Chad and Jason Harris; and 2 nieces: Tara Miller and Jodie Harris. He is preceded in death by his parents, Burton Russell and Ellen Russell St. John, step-father, Phillip St. John, and by his loving sister Lynn Pace.
Chet's Celebration of Life service will be held August 3, 2026 at 11:00am at Calvary Chapel, 3001 Hwy 90, Silver City, New Mexico.
Cremation has taken place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapel and Crematory "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.
