Russell Douglass Studer

Russell Douglass Studer, 80, passed unexpectedly but peacefully in his Azle, Texas home, on September 22, 2021.

Service:  2:00 pm, Thursday, September 30, 2021 in Biggers Funeral Home Chapel.

Russ was born on December 24, 1940, in Ellsworth, Maine to Arthur and Eleanor (Collar) Studer.  At 10 months old, Russ was taken in by wonderful foster parents, George Condon and Alma King. Russ was raised with the Condon’s biological daughter, Virginia (Ginny) Lindsey, of Ellsworth, Maine, and whom Russ absolutely adores.

Russ graduated from Ellsworth High School (1959) and enlisted in the US Army with his best friend, Roger Johnson (died 2021). Together they served in Germany until 1962. Russ was honorably discharged on June 30, 1965. Russ worked for the Department of Defense for more than 30 years, retiring in 1995.

Russ and Barbara Sleboda (m: 1962-1999) raised four daughters in Jessup, Maryland. Russ was committed to his community and emergency management services. He was an active member of the amateur radio community (call sign: N3AUQ). He served as President of the Jessup Improvement Association (mid-70s) and was instrumental in bringing an Escape Notification System to Jessup (home to six state-run prisons). He helped establish the Jessup YMCA, so the children and young adults of the community had a safe place to congregate.

Combining his commitment to emergency management services with his love of HAM radios, Russ regularly organized and participated in emergency field operations, taught morse code, and built HAM radios and computers. He volunteered with the Laurel Rescue Squad and flew with the Civil Air Patrol to bring EMS care to the citizens of Prince George’s County, Maryland too. Despite his Protestant upbringing, Russ served on the St. Lawrence Catholic Church’s Parish Counsel, and regularly offered his handyman and electrical skills to the Counsel and Ladies’ Guild.

Russ loved the outdoors and camping. He bought a small camping trailer and spent weekends with his family in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware in the late 80s. After retirement, Russ traversed the USA in his RV with his trusted side kick Michelob (his black lab).  During his travels, Russ met and fell in love with Gale Snyder of Fairfield, CA. They exchanged vows on February 7, 2007, in Fairfield and honeymooned in Mendocino, CA. They have since been sharing RV adventures and time with their large extended family, who are scattered throughout the USA. In June 2021, Russ and Gale purchased a home in Azle, TX, with dreams of setting down roots and creating new memories.

Russ is survived by his wife, Gale Snyder; four daughters: Barbara (Brian) Baer of Milford, DE; Lynanne (Chris) Reed of Beaufort, SC; Cathryn (John) Fox of Lititz, PA; Theresa Studer of St. Petersburg, FL; and three step-children: Sharon (Alan) Alonzo of Azle, TX, Kimberlea Snyder of Fairfield, CA; James Snyder of Rockland, CA; his brother Keith (Diane) Studer of Spotsylvania, VA; and eight grandchildren: Larry (Lisa) Sturgill, Russell Sturgill, Sean (Despoina) Sturgill, Alexandra (Clinton) Fortier, Steele Reed, August Fox, Ellit Fox, Rebekah Simmons, and five step-grandchildren: Sarah (Chris) Jones, Rachel (Jeff) House, Matthew Alonzo, Holly (Ray) Suppe, and Jamie (Matthew) Leal; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Russ was preceded in death by both parents, and both foster parents; his sister Suzanne Lynn Poulin (2003), brothers John (unknown) and Arthur Studer, Jr. (2007); and step daughter-in-law Natalie Snyder (2019).