Marion Russell Herndon was born to Jewel Lafayette Herndon and Jewell Pauline (Bratton) Herndon in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His early childhood was filled with special memories, of adventures in Tulsa and at the family farm on Bird Creek. Everyone who met Russell heard of the special influence growing up on a farm had on him, enjoying their horse Queenie, exploring and playing in the creek with family and friends. He attended high school in Tulsa where he began his vocal studies with Mrs. Beth Hughes. Upon completion of High School, he moved to Oklahoma City where he was employed by Sohio Petroleum. It was during this time that he was in the First Christian Church choir, under the direction of Tracey Sylvester. He also performed with the Maddie Mack Mummers Theatre. In answer to his mothers' fervent prayers, Russell gave his heart to the Lord in the back bedroom of her home, when he was twenty years of age, immediately feeling the call to be a minister of the gospel. While attending a revival at Fellowship Assembly of God, on S. Walker, a pretty young lady caught his eye. He soon learned her name, Tona, and asked her mother if he could take her home from church. After receiving permission, he accompanied her on the bus and they walked the remaining two blocks to her house. They continued their courtship while he attended school. Shortly after his conversion he was in Tulsa, where he chanced upon a childhood friend, Jimmy Phillips, and met Bill Eccles. They began an association in the ministry which developed into lifelong friendships based on their shared love of God. He began his studies at Central Bible College in Missouri and was soon preaching and singing at services and revivals throughout the region. Marion Russell wed Fatonia (Tona) V. Madding at Fellowship Assembly of God on May 28th 1953. They began their life together holding a revival on the following Sunday in Leslie, Arkansas. Russell accepted his first pastorate at SnoMac, in South Central Oklahoma, in the fall of 1953. In January, 1954, he became an associate pastor at First Assembly of God Church in Amarillo under Reverend E.R. Foster. He resigned the position in 1956 to represent Southwestern Assembly of God Bible College in the Southwest district of New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma. During this time, they were blessed with their first child, Marian Venee', in November of 1956 while living in Amarillo, but moved to Oklahoma City ten days later to accept the pastorate at First Assembly of God in Midwest City. As the church grew so did the family and Jonathan Craig was born in July 1960. In January, 1964 they received a second son, Gregory Kent. The next month the church was moved to a new sanctuary and facility on Tinker Diagonal in Del City and changed the name to Bethel Temple Assembly of God. During his ministry at Bethel Temple he also served as a district presbyter for the Oklahoma District Council of the Assembly of God while Reverend Robert Goggin was the district superintendent. (Brother Goggin and his family have always had a special place in Russell's life from childhood. Also, J.C. and Ruth Houck and their family have had a special place in our lives). In 1981, he resigned the pastorate at Bethel Temple. 1984 brought a new chapter to Marion Russell's life with Bethany First Assembly of God Church. The people of Bethany First have a special place in his heart. The relationships have been more than pastor to congregation, and are deep friendships abounding with love. These friendships were strengthened by shared struggles with the 2001 tornado damage to the church and properties. He continued to minister to this wonderful church family up to his passing. Marion Russell was preceded in death by his father, Jewel Lafayette, and mother, Jewell Pauline (Bratton), an infant daughter, Suzanne, Father-in-law, Jewel Madding and Mother-in-law, Ona J. Madding, In-laws, Junior Madding, Dorothy Herndon, Leon Madding and wife Sylvia, Gerald Pickering, Al Bankston, Cecil Binion, Jay Peevy, and Jack Wooden. He is survived by his wife, Tona, of the home; siblings, Bill and wife Thelma, June Pickering-Peevy, Marie and husband Jim Urban, Linda Bankston, Christy and husband Mel Westbrook, Cheryl and husband Jerrel Venable; sisters-in-law, Janelle Binion, Berneice Wooden, Violet and husband Paul Chance, Audra and husband Joe Trull; and many nieces and nephews. Surviving children and their families include: Daughter, Marian Mitchell and husband B.J., Rick Sluder, Oliver, Chloe, and Corinne Perez and the girl's mother Cory Mullins. Chad Sluder. Jennifer and Alan Bardell, Jake, Will and Cole. Melissa and Lance Foreman. James and Ashley, Gram and Henry. Son, Jonathan Herndon and wife Julie, Lynnsday and Matt, Mason and Brooklynn. Amanda and her fiance Ben Smith, Caleb Greenwood, Kamden and Dakota. Son, Gregory Herndon and his wife Stacy, Taylor, Marion "Max" and Dara and her mother RaeAnn. Memorial Service Monday, August 5, 2013 01:00 PM Mercer-Adams Chapel 3925 N. Asbury Bethany, OK 73008