M. A. Russell, age 73, of Arkadelphia, passed from this life on Monday, July 5, 2010 at his home. He was born on June 18, 1937 in Okolona, the son of the late Zib and Ellen Crawley Russell. M. A. was retired from Henderson State University Police Department and Valley Exxon. He was a Baptist and a United States Navy veteran of the Korean conflict. M. A. was a former Fraternal Order of the Police and Woodmen of the World member. He was preceded in death by two brothers, H. C. and Howard Russell. M. A. is survived by his wife of fifty years, Leta Garvin Russell, two sons David (Candy) Russell of Prescott and Mike (Dawn) Russell of Manchester, one brother, Dewey Russell of Caddo Valley, seven grandchildren, Jonathan, Michael, Brandon, David Lee and Brad Russell, Maci Curtis and Chris Glass, and two great granddaughters, Stephanie Russell and Callie Glass. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 8, 2010 at Welch Funeral Home with Bro. Wendell Crawley officiating. Interment will be in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Tommy Arnold, Mike Smith, Don Cleek, Rowdy Urserry, Rick Still, Mike Thomason, Jimmy McNabb and Richard Robertson. Honorary pallbearers will be Arvilee Fulmer, Michael W. Russell, II, David L. Russell, Jonathan D. Russell, Brandon C. Russell, Bradley C. Russell and Mike Maroney. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P. O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312. Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the online guest book and view the video tribute.