Russell Winter passed away February 2, 2007, at Hermann Memorial Hospital in Houston, Texas. Russell Harold Winter was born February 22, 1964, to Robert Allen Winter and Donna Ward Winter in Hallock, Minnesota. He died with dignity following a lifelong battle with diabetes since age three.

Russell moved with his family to Texas in 1977, and he was schooled in Bay City and Van Vleck. While at Van Vleck High School, he was active in the Future Farmers of America. Russell was a journeyman electrician who took pride in his craft.

He is survived by his mother, Donna Wooten of Wharton; and siblings; Steve Winter from Richwood, Roberta Winter from Washington, Connie and Eric Simoni of California, Doug and Ruth Winter of Santa Fe, Jason and Paula Winter of Brazoria, and Jennifer and Tony Kucera of Van Vleck. In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by the following nieces and nephews: Jason, Jeremy and Kelsey Winter, EJ and Jake Sohort, Sebastian and Sophia Simoni, Nathan Winter, and Cole and Braden Kucera. He is also survived by many cousins, aunts, uncles and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Winter; stepfather, James Wooten, and all of his grandparents except his paternal grandmother, LuRene Winter of Sun City, Arizona.

Russell had a heart as big as Texas and was one of the most generous people you would ever meet. More than anything else, Russ was a surrogate parent to every one of his nieces and nephews, constantly babysitting for and participating in their lives. Russell was loved by all he encountered and will be sorely missed, but his stature looms larger over the Texas landscape.

A graveside service will be held 2:00 PM Sunday, March 8, 2009 at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck with Rev. Tom Morgan officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials in his name to Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, 2425 Fountain View Drive, #280, Houston, TX 77005, or to the Life Gift Organ Donation Center, 5615 Kirby Drive, #900, Houston, TX 77005.