Racine – Beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and brother, Thomas R. Russell, 73, affectionately known to all as "TR", received the promise of eternal life on Monday, January 6, 2014, after a courageous battle with cancer.  He was born in Mississippi on September 16, 1940, son of the late Ruble and Estelle (nee: George) Russell.

Tom was married to the love of his life, JoAnn (nee: DeRosa) Russell, on December 19, 1963, in Lake Bluff, IL.

Tom was a larger than life man with an enormous heart.  He loved the game of golf, playing cards, and spending time with family and friends.  He was a longtime member of Kenosha Country Club and Heritage Oaks in Sarasota, FL, where he enjoyed having family and friends.  Tom had a friendly competitive spirit about him and loved the time spent with friends.  He cherished watching his grandchildren participate in a variety of activities as well.  Above all, Tom was a family man and adored his children and grandchildren.  He will be dearly missed.

Tom leaves to cherish his memory, his love, JoAnn Russell of Racine; daughters, Janet (Jeff) Zimmerman of Racine, Shellie (Bob) Simon of Whitefish Bay, Pam (Mike) Hardin of Lindenhurst, IL; grandchildren, Libby, Lexy, and Jenna Zimmerman, Jack and Olivia Simon, Michael, Max and Mason Hardin; sister, Martha (Joe) Lollar of Baldwin, MS; brother-in-law, Joe (Pam) DeRosa of Hartland; sister-in-law, Kathie Henderson of Atlanta, GA; other relatives, dear friends, golf buddies, and poker buddies too numerous to mention.

In addition to his parents, Tom is preceded in death by his sister, Jean (Gene) Thomas; niece, Beth Henderson; brother-in-law, Gil Henderson; and sister-in-law, Mary Ann DeRosa. A celebration of Tom's life will take place on Monday, January 13, 2014, 6:00pm, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road, Racine, with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating.  Visitation will be from 4:00pm until the time of the service.  The family has suggested memorials to Hospice Alliance, Inc.

The family would like to extend a heart-felt "Thank You" to Dr. Santarelli and his staff as well as Dr. Bandealy and the staff at Aurora for the love and care given to Tom during his illness. Special thank you to the loving people associated with Hospice Alliance.