Russell Carl Gest

Russell Carl Gest, 79, of San Angelo passed away, Sunday, January 30, 2022. Russell was born August 20, 1942 at Lakewood, Ohio to Clyde Russell and Ruth Elizabeth Wright Gest. He was the oldest of seven children. He along with his faithful sidekick Boots, the English Sheppard, worked in the family greenhouse. They regularly drove into Cleveland to sell their produce. He attended schools in Ohio and, upon graduation, joined the Army, where he served for 6 years. While in the Army, he qualified as an expert Marksman with a rifle. When he was asked to be a sniper, he stated that he would rather help people. While in the Army his roommate/coworker, Seth Daniel, began studying the Bible which led to him to making the most important decision of his life, becoming a Christian. After discharge, he came to Texas and began pursuing higher education. He earned his Associates in Science at Lubbock Christian College, Bachelors of Science and Masters of Science at Abilene Christian College/University. During his studies at Abilene Christian, he met the love of his life, Mary Sue Howdeshell. They married on August 21, 1971 in Houston, Texas. Russ and Mary started their lives together in Abilene, Texas. They went on to live in Lubbock, Texas where their two daughters were born. After they moved to Paris, Texas, they welcomed their third child, a son. In 1986, they moved to San Angelo, Texas. Using his master’s degree in microbiology, he began working in hospitals. He worked in labs, infection control and eventually quality assurance. After years of working in hospitals, he changed direction and went back to school for his teacher’s certification. Russ had many hobbies ranging from watching/coaching his children in soccer, being a member of the San Angelo Blues Society, and watching all Cleveland sports teams and of course everything THE Ohio State University. GO BUCKS! He was a faithful member and deacon at Southgate Church of Christ where he continued his legacy of providing the Lord’s supper to shut-ins and others unable to attend service. In the past 20 years, he was involved in medical missions, primarily in Central America. He was instrumental in developing an educational program to monitor and treat people with diabetes in Belize and Ecuador. He also had the opportunity to travel to Mexico, Haiti and Nicaragua for mission work. He enjoyed leading devotionals at San Angelo Christian Academy. He had a huge heart and loved his family, especially his grandkids. Russell was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Carol Nelson. Mr. Gest is survived by his wife Mary Gest; three children Melissa Gest, Laura Behrens and husband Marty, Allen Gest and wife Whitney; five Grandchildren McKenna Grace Behrens, Hunter Scott Behrens and wife Leah, Halli Kay Gest, Jaci Claire Gest, Jaxon Kade Gest; five Siblings Beverly Haag, Margie Potts, Rollie Gest and wife Kathy, Curtis Gest, and Norma Gest; numerous nieces and nephews and cousins; along with his beloved furry, snack time partner Allie “Gator”. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to North Belize Medical Missions or San Angelo Christian Academy. A visitation will be held at Harper Funeral Home, Friday, February 4, 2022 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. A funeral service will be held at Southgate Church of Christ, Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 10:00 AM with burial to follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Barry Alwine, Hilton Blackwell, Jeff Chunn, Ronnie Cole, Todd Deere, Terry Peterson, Honorary Pallbearers will be The Thunderbirds Soccer Team.