Russell William Elliott, 83 years, of Fort Madison, Iowa, died at 4:45 pm Sunday July 15, 2012 at the Fort Madison Community Hospital, Fort Madison, Iowa. He was born April 17, 1929 at Clarinda, Iowa, the son of Ralph Vern and Della Mae (Maley) Elliott. On August 30, 1953, he married Nola Leona Huffer at Shenandoah, Iowa. They have been married for 58 years.

He first worked as a projectionist in Clarinda, Iowa. After college in 1961, he moved to Fort Madison, where he taught Driver Education for 6 years. Russell's career in education led him all around the state of Iowa where he worked as principal in many schools, including at Carson, Burlington, and Hamburg. In Sheldon, Iowa he was director of the Northwest Iowa Workshop for the handicapped. He returned to Fort Madison in 1979, where he developed an education program at the Iowa State Penitentiary. He also worked as a substitute teacher and at Freuhauf Corporation for a few years. He then spent an additional 16 years doing maintenance work for a private family.

Russell spent 28 years in the Iowa Army National Guard and attended two officers schools. He was a member of Joy Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife: Nola Elliott, of Fort Madison, Iowa; one son: Russell W. (wife Mary Kay) Elliott II, of Burlington, Iowa; two daughters, Sheryl D. Elliott, of Aurora, Illinois and Brenda L. (husband Mark) Maine, of Springfield, Missouri; four grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is preceded was death by his parents.

His family will greet friends from 10:00 - 11:00 am Monday, July 23, 2012 at the Joy Baptist Church, Fort Madison, Iowa. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am Monday, July 23, 2012 at the Joy Baptist Church, Fort Madison, Iowa, with Pastor Earl Beal, officiating.

Burial with full military rites will be 1:00 pm Tuesday, July 24, 2012 at the Clarinda Cemetery, Clarinda, Iowa. A memorial has been established, contributions may be made at the Barr Memorial Chapel.