Russell A Walborn

Russell Albertus Walborn was born June 3, 1927 to Virgil Albertus and Ethel Ruth (Brockman) Walborn in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was the oldest of seven children and a tireless gift of grace and help to his parents in raising his brothers and sisters – Verna, David, Paul, Merle, Karen and Dorothy.

Russell graduated from Bethany Nazarene Seminary, now Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma in 1961. As an ordained minister he shepherded congregations in Nebraska, Texas and Arkansas during his years of ministry.

Russell had been trained in painting and papering by his father and ran his own company to work his way through college. He had a creative side and started a custom wall treatment design business between times of ministry, and was in high demand in the Security, Colorado Springs, and Denver areas bringing much beauty and elegance to the finest homes, mansions and businesses. He was a true master at his craft. His creativity did not stop there. Many homes are graced by his beautiful gifts of wax working. Hand shaped, carved and decorated candles too beautiful to burn, including Nativity scenes in miniature. He also enjoyed crafting clocks of all materials, shapes and sizes. He enjoyed sharing his art with children while teaching in Arkansas.

Russell married Patricia Quist on October 4, 1974. She brought five children and together they had a son, John Christian. With his new wife at his side, and his new children to enjoy, God called Russell back into the ministry. To supplement his income while a pastor, Russell taught elementary and high school. His good natured spirit made him a favorite. Students still seek him out to share how he impacted their lives.

Russell’s patience and joy with the children changed many little lives. Russell was a children’s pastor in Colorado Springs for several years, and developed the crafts programs for children’s camp while in Arkansas. He delighted hundreds of children with his science demonstrations to illustrate God’s love. Side by side, Russell and Patty guided four churches in Arkansas. He taught at Cloverdale Christian Academy and Little Rock Christian School, and was principal at Shannon Hills Academy.

A joy for his family was when Russell found he had a voice to sing and shared it. His love for music got even deeper.

Russell retired to Wray, Colorado, and took on keeping Cedardale Nursing Centre’s maintenance to make ends meet, making good friends with his willing heart and excellent knowledge of how things work. He enjoyed watching “The Joy of Painting”, Lawrence Welk, and Rick Steve’s travels.

Russell worked hard to be a good father and husband. His honesty and kindness made him a good many friends. Russell is survived by his wife, Patricia, sons, Duane and John Walborn, stepchildren; Arthur, Michael, Kenneth and Debera, sisters, Verna Irwin, Karen Cavaness and Dorothy Tiry and brothers, David and Paul Walborn. He is also survived by twenty-one grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Merle Wagner, his daughter, Miriam Walborn, son, Eugene Walborn and stepson, David Quist.

A Memorial service was held Thursday, April 24, 2014, 10:00 a.m. at the Church of the Nazarene in Wray, Colorado with Pastor Terry Douglass officiating. Memorials may be made to the Russell Walborn Memorial Fund. Spellman-Schmidt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.