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 acquired an excellent work ethic, which stayed with him into adulthood. As a young boy, Chet wanted to be like Davy Crockett, and that sense of adventure & 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, completing an Associate's Degree in Industrial Arts in 1967 - he truly was an artist at heart. Chet then joined the Air Force, where he had a 4-year experience with the Viet Nam War. He received top honors in his training class and became crew chief on a C-130 plane. He was honorably discharged in 1971 with the rank of Sergeant.
Chet worked in many areas, after his Army career, including chef, flower deliverer (in several states), as well as in a motorcycle shop, until he discovered stained glass, which became a great love for the remainder of his life.
Because of Chet's compassion, kindness and love of helping people, he decided to become a nurse. He went to nursing school while simultaneously employed by Laws Stained Glass Company for many years where he learned the art of making beautiful stained glass. Chet remained in contact with his family, and was very close to his nephews, guiding them and being there for them just like a father.
Chet really enjoyed helping others. While in North Carolina, he made the decision to volunteer for 3 weeks a year for 10 years for an international mission trip, giving vaccines, and aiding with other health issues as needed.
During his many vacations, Chet came out west and fell in love with the Silver City area. On one trip, Chet visited Gila Regional Medical Center (GRMC) and asked if they were hiring. They said, "Yes, and even paid for his moving expenses! Chet went home, resigned immediately from his job, then moved to Silver City, where he was employed as a psychiatric nurse until he retired. He also continued his love of creating stained glass windows.
In Silver City, he was a member of GRMC hospital auxiliary where he helped folks find their way around the hospital. He also was active in his church, where he served as a greeter, lead prayer in the prayer room, volunteered with service at the nursing home, ministered to prisoners at the local jail, and served as camp nurse at the Mimbres Christian Camp.
During his life, Chet was interested in motorcycles (he owned 3), he loved 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, gentle and loved people and dogs. At the tender age of 78, he married 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.
