Mr. John Alan Russell
(April 9, 1954 - April 21, 2011)

John Alan Russell, 57, of Huntington, passed away Thursday, April 21, 2011, at St. Mary’s Hospital after a brief illness. He was born April 9, 1954, in Huntington, the son of the late Harry and Adrienne Russell. He was also preceded in death by his mother and father –in-law, Lawrence and Bernadine Murphy and two brothers-in-law, Jim and Tom Murphy. He is survived by his loving wife of thirty-two years, Mary Anne Murphy Russell; her brother, Phillip Murphy (Bing), of Charleston; his brother, Kent (Marilyn), of Lebanon, OH; three sisters, Linda Bolognesi (Joe), Annandale, VA; Carol Gaal, Flint, MI; and Diane (Bob) Ferguson, Charleston, WV. John is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. John graduated in 1972 from Huntington St. Joseph’s High School and obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology from West Virginia University and a master’s degree from Duquesne University. For the past twenty-one years, John has been the Executive Director of the West Virginia Behavioral Healthcare Providers Association. In that capacity, he managed the statewide operations of the organization, bringing visibility and leadership in legislative and administrative lobbying. Also in this position, he managed statewide media relations and built alliances with numerous individuals and organizations throughout West Virginia. In 1991, John was appointed by the Governor to sit on the WV inter-Agency Early Intervention Coordinating Council. In 1993, the Governor appointed him to serve both on the WV General Medicaid Enhancement Board and on the Medical Services Fund Advisory Committee, a seat he held for several years. In addition, he has represented the behavioral healthcare industry by being seated on the Medicaid New Director Quality Council, the State Behavioral Health Advisory Council, and the State Long- Term Care Ombudsman Advisory Council. John was also the first director of “First Health’s” WV operation. Earlier in his career, John was employed by the State Health Department’s Office of Health Facilities Licensure and Certification Section, where he was asked to coordinate and direct a behavioral health division. He was the first individual in the state to serve in this capacity. John was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Visitation will be from 6-8pm Sunday, April 24th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Adams Ave., Huntington. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by Father Livinus Chidi Uba and co-celebrant, Father Neil Buckline on Monday, 11 A.M., April 25th, at Sacred Heart Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Spring Hill Cemetery, Huntington. Pallbearers will be Andy Ferguson, Eric Ferguson, Chris Ferguson, Patrick Russell, David Murphy, Jim Murphy, Grant Murphy and Greg Bensinger. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Food for the Poor, Inc., 6401 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, FL, 33073. Klingel-Carpenter Mortuary is responsible for arrangements.