AUGUSTA – Durward “Jake” F. Russell, 76, formerly of Rosedale Street, Lewiston, died Thursday, March 15, at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Augusta after a long illness.

Born in Webster on April 19, 1930, he was a son of the late Durward W. and Lucienne F. (Lampron) Russell.

Jake served his country in the U.S. Navy on the U.S. Charles P. Cecil during the Korean Conflict.

He married the love of his life, Irene Caron, on Jan. 20, 1968, in Lewiston.

He worked for many years at Bates College in the maintenance department, until his retirement in 1991 due to illness.

He was a member of the Webster Lodge, where he was the chaplain for many years, American Legion Post No. 135 in Sabattus, Kora Temple and Eastern Star.

Jake enjoyed going to the Legion to play pool with his friend, Ed Jillson Sr., every Tuesday night, and playing cards with his friends every Wednesday. He also enjoyed going for rides and visiting his sister, Yvonne.

He leaves his wife of 39 years, Irene M. Russell, of Lewiston; a son, Paul H. Russell, of Lewiston; two sisters, Yvonne Winslow of Sabattus, and Patricia Draper of Greene; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a brother, Robert; his stepfather, Mac; a sister-in-law, Irene; and two brothers-in-law, Leon Winslow and Floyd Draper.