Joseph Russell Lapetina

Joseph “Russell” Lapetina Born September 10, 1930 in Houston Texas, Joseph “Russell” Lapetina was raised by his loving parents John and Pauline Lapetina. As a young boy Russell worked on his uncle’s peanut farm in Katy, Texas where he developed a strong work ethic and a great love of the outdoors. After graduating from Regan High School in Houston, Russell attended Sam Houston State University where he met the love of his life Frances Allison. Russell left college to join the U.S. Air Force in 1951 and married Frances that same year. After the sudden death of his father he left the Air Force to help his Mother raise his two younger siblings Barbara and Marcella. Russell worked for the Railroad by day and played in a band at night in order to earn money to support his family. Several years later Russell went to work for Dresser Industries as shipping coordinator where he traveled the world arranging international commerce. After retiring from Dresser, Russell and Frances moved to Huntsville to be close to their daughter Grace and grandchildren Brent and Allison. He also cherished the time he spent with his granddaughter Angela who lived with him while attending college. One of Russell’s passions in life was helping raise his grandchildren and playing music on his saxophone and clarinet. Russell dearly loved his family and was passionate about their wellbeing and happiness. On Sunday January 5, 2014 Russell was called to heaven. He is preceded in death by his parents John Lewis Lapetina and Pauline Wilkinson Lapetina. Russell is survived by his wife of 62 years Frances Allison Lapetina, son Joseph Russell Lapetina II and wife Marguerite with children, Joseph Russell Lapetina III and Angela Slaughter; by his daughter Grace Bass and husband Keith with children Allison Bass and Brent Bass. He is also survived by his two sisters Barbara Scruggs and Marcella Swinson as well as 5 great grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces. Funeral service will be held Friday, January 10, 2014, 10:00 a.m., at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Huntsville, Texas with interment to follow in Allison Cemetery, Warren, Texas. Mr. Lapetina will lie in state Thursday, January 9, 2014 from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Huntsville. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at www.shmfh.com.

Joseph Russell Lapetina

September 10, 1930 - January 10, 2014