RIP Russel Jordan, 94th Bomber Squadron / 333-410th Bomb Squadron

[sapper740]

Gentlemen, we've lost another veteran. At the age of 87, Russel Jordan of Sherman, Texas recently passed away. I knew Russel well and enjoyed his company many times when I joined the Red River chapter of the MVPA for their many events. Russel was always there wearing his old service cap and flight jacket enjoying the camaraderie. He was sharp as a whip and although he used two crutches to get around, never seemed to need any assistance to get where he was going. I've included his Death announcement from his local paper, it's well worth a read.

Russell Jordan
1920-2008
SHERMAN - Russell Jordan, 87-year-old lifelong Sherman resident and retired carpenter, died at his home Sunday, April 13, 2008.
Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, April 17, 2008 at Covenant Presbyterian Church. Rev. Neill Morgan of the church will officiate and the burial will follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Waldo Funeral Home.
Russell was born June 7, 1920 in Sherman, the son of William Robert Jordan and Agnes Irene Haberman Jordan. He attended Sherman schools and pursued his love of music as the first guitarist for the Lightcrust Dough Boys Band before being drafted into the Army Air Corps in May 1942. During World War II Russell served as a gunner in the tail end of B17 bombers in the 94th Bomber Squadron and 333-410th Bomb Squadron, flying 32 missions over Germany. He was shot down more than once but was never captured by the enemy, but did receive numerous injuries from combat. When he wasn't in an airplane he enjoyed playing his guitar in the Air Force Band. He also played in the Red Skelton Orchestra during the war and even danced with Judy Garland during a performance.
Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force in October 1945 he returned home and began a career as a self-employed carpenter and cabinet maker. He loved working with wood and loved music, as well as animals and nature in general. He was a very simple and independent man who enjoyed life to the fullest. He was a longtime devoted member of First Presbyterian Church in Sherman which is now known as Covenant Presbyterian Church.
He is survived by a nephew, David R. Renshaw and spouse Carolyn Howe of Sherman; great-nieces, Melissa Andrews of Frisco, Jordan Ann Renshaw of Denison and Ashley Renshaw of Cumberland, R.I.; great-nephew, Derek Renshaw of Arizona; great-greatniece, Teri Andrews, and great-greatnephews, Cohen Andrews and Jaden Renshaw. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Roy Jordan, a sister Monette Renshaw, and brother-in-law, David S. Renshaw.
Pallbearers will be David Renshaw, Jon Andrews and men of Covenant Presbyterian Church.

Derek

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

Derek, thank you for sharing this. I know how much harder it is when you know them personally. These are real human beings who have seen and done things we can only imagine.

RIP, Russell Jordan. You have earned your rest. May your spirit be reborn in another yet to come.