Russell Glenn Vizena

Published 11:46 am Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Russell Glenn Vizena, third son born to Velma (LeBlanc) and Woodrow W. Vizena on June 14, 1952, in Port Arthur, TX,  and spouse to Jody (Latimer) passed away on April 17th  after a 10 month  battle with lung and brain cancer contracted from his exposure to Agent Orange while in Vietnam.

Russell was baptized at St. James Church in 1952 and received his 1st Communion in 1960.  He attended Immaculate Conception School, Van Buren and Tyrrell Elementary, Groves Junior High and graduated from Port Neches Groves High School in 1971.  Russell joined the U. S.  Army in July 1971 and joined his two older brothers, Kenneth Wayne and Douglas James, who were currently serving as members of the U. S. Army. Russell reported to Ft. Leonard Wood, MI for basic training then stationed at Ft. Rucker, AL for Army Aviation School.  Russell served his country in Vietnam from January – December 1972.  Upon return from Vietnam, Russell was stationed at Ft. Campbell, KY.

After Russell’s return from Vietnam and before his report to Ft. Campbell, he married the love of his life Jody Latimer, whom he met on a blind date arranged by friends, in January 1973.  They started their married life in Clarksville, TN. After receiving an Honorable Discharge from the U. S. Army, Russell and Jody started their life in Houston, TX where he began working at Cargill Grain Elevator until he applied and was hired at Atlantic Richfield Chemical Plant in Channelview in 1977.  Russell remained at the plant for over 30 years in which it changed names several times: Equistar, Lyondell Chemical and LyondellBasell. Russell was promoted to “A” Operator in 1985 and retired in 2007. Russell made many lifelong friends during his 30 years at the plant.  After retiring from LyondellBasell, and spending time at camp and traveling with his wife, he went to work part time for Weller Transmission as a part time delivery driver.  He enjoyed traveling and meeting new people at each delivery location.  He worked until he became sick in June 2017.

Russell and Jody’s first son, Derek Glenn was born in 1980 and their second son Cory Justin was born in 1985.  Russell and Jody bought property near Rye, TX and most weekends and holidays Russell enjoyed teaching the boys fishing, hunting and enjoyment of the outdoors.  The boys grew up enjoying “Camp” and riding 4 wheelers with their dad.  Russell and Jody were thrilled to welcome to the family their “honorary” daughter Amy, who lived across the street and became an instant sister and friend to the boys.  Amy would join the family on annual vacations, trips to camp and remain close to the boys as well as Russell and Jody.  Russell was so excited to walk Amy down the aisle, along with her father, at her wedding.  Amy and her husband Grady would give Russell his first granddaughter, Paige.  He enjoyed having a baby girl in the family.  Russell was thrilled when his son Derek married Jennifer Chernosky and welcomed her into the Vizena family with love.  Derek and Jenny would give Russell and Jody two more grandchildren, Zachary and Olivia.  Russell was happy when Cory welcomed Kaitlin D’Amico into our family.

Russell’s biggest accomplishments were his children and working hard to ensure success and quality of life in them.  His greatest treasures were his grandchildren. He adored his grandchildren and leaves them with many wonderful memories.  He was a steady loving influence to his family and friends and will be sorely missed. The family wishes to express its thanks for all the prayers and sustaining support and thoughtfulness of our dear and loving friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Velma and Woodrow Vizena, his brother Kenneth Wayne Vizena, his sister-in-law Christine Vizena and brother-in-law Larry Cook.  He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Jody, his son and daughter-in law, Derek and Jenny Vizena and their children Zachary and Olivia, his son Cory and girlfriend Kaitlin, his daughter Amy and Grady Willhite and granddaughter Paige and his nephew Kenneth Wayne Vizena and family. Russell is survived by his brother Doug and wife Karen, his goddaughter Amy (O’Quinn) Hallmark, many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Burial will be held at The Houston National Cemetery. A memorial visitation will be held from 5-8p.m., Friday April 20th, 2018 at Rosewood Funeral Home Atascocita 17404 W. Lake Houston Pkwy. Humble, TX 77346. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Disabled American Veterans (DAV.org) or Gary Sinise Foundation (garysinisefoundation.org).