Russell Gilbert Dunham

Russell Gilbert Dunham

June 22, 2021

Russell Gilbert Dunham, age 90, went to be with his Lord, Jesus on April 20th, 2021. He passed away quietly in his sleep of natural causes at Presbyterian Manor in Newton, KS.

Born November 12th, 1930, in Brighton, Colorado, the son of Walter and Maude (Gilbert) Dunham. Russell graduated from Brighton High School in 1949 where he was the captain of the Basketball team and met the love of his life, Annabelle (Nordell). Russell and Annabelle were married in 1950 in Fort Lupton, CO. Shortly following, the newlywed couple moved to San Diego, California, where Russell attended electricians’ school. Russell served 1951-1955 in the U.S Navy as an Electricians Mate First Class and was stationed in Korea and China during the Korean War. He received the National Service Medal, China Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, and United Nations Service Medal. Upon returning to Colorado, he studied Business at the University of Northern Colorado. He and Annabelle settled in Grand Junction, CO where he lived for 45 years. Russell retired after 28 years, in 1998, as the General Merchandise Buyer for City Market.

Russell dedicated his life serving the Lord alongside his wife Annabelle and was a member of the New Horizon Foursquare Church in Grand Junction, CO. He served his church in many different capacities, particularly teaching bible studies with his wife, Annabelle. Russell provided a constant example of what it means to love the Lord with all your heart and soul. Russell enjoyed spending time with his family, woodworking, gardening, and reading.

Russell is preceded in death by his wife of 57 years Annabelle (Nordell) Dunham; daughter Beth (Dunham) Kiefer; brother Leonard Dunham; and parents Maude (Gilbert) Dunham and Walter Dunham. Russell is survived by his son, James; son, Robert; daughter, Laurie Johnson and her husband, Tony; son, Andrew; and son-in-law, Jack Kiefer; grandchildren, Aris Freeborn and her husband Johnathon, Clayton Dunham, Claire Johnson, Emily Johnson, Luke Johnson, CJ Kiefer, and Stella Kiefer; great-grandchildren, Skylee Dunham, Khaliya Dunham, and Kai Kiefer.

Russell was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend and will be dearly missed. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, June 25th, 2021, at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2830 Riverside Pkwy, Grand Junction, CO.