Russell "Russ" Thrasher, Jr.

Russell “Russ” F. Thrasher, Jr. passed away Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at Westhaven Nursing Home in Stillwater after an extended illness. He was 81. Services have been entrusted to the care of Dighton-Marler Funeral Home of Stillwater.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday December 19th at 6:30 pm at the Dighton-Marler Funeral Home. The family asks that those in attendance don their best flannel, camo or casual attire in honor of Russ' preference for casual dress. Christmas apparel is also welcomed.

Russ was born September 12, 1937 in Henderson, KY, to Russell F. Sr. and Louree (Staples) Thrasher. During his childhood years, Russ moved frequently, and ended up living in almost every state of the country. In the mid-70s, he moved to Edmond, OK where he met Linda Lou Frost. They married in 1976 and stayed in Edmond for 10 years. During that time, Russ worked for Ralston Purina, and later opened Alpine Outfitters, a hunting and taxidermy business. In 1986, the family moved to Stillwater, Linda’s home town where he worked in the telecommunications department at Oklahoma State University until his retirement.

Hunting was his passion. He enjoyed big game hunting and guiding in Canada where he bagged several bears, deer, elk, caribou, antelope, moose, and a Dall sheep.

Russ is survived by his wife of 41 years, Linda; daughter, Valerie Jean Thrasher and her boyfriend Kiel Wahpekeche of Stillwater, OK; three grandchildren, Christian Forsyth, Gabby Forsyth, and Ryker Wahpekeche all of Stillwater, OK. He was preceded in death by his parents, and stepfather James R. Stiles.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to Karman Legacy Hospice in c/o Dighton-Marler Funeral Home, 5106 N. Washington, Stillwater, OK, 74075.