Russell Eugene Nash

Russell Eugene Nash, 83, of Pierre, passed away, Thursday, March 21, 2019. A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, March 30, 2019, at First United Methodist Church in Pierre.
    Russell was born February 8, 1936, to Frank and Marie (McDonnell) Nash at their home in Murdo, S.D. One of three boys, Russell grew up in Murdo, graduating in 1954. He then attended Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell in 1954 through 1956, before beginning a career with the State of South Dakota.  e worked for the Department of Transportation in the materials and surfacing department’s testing division.  He started in July of 1956 and worked there for nearly 40 years, retiring in 1996. Russell served in the US Army during the years of 1959-1961.  
    Russell married the love of his life, Alene Abbott on August 15, 1954, in New Mexico. They made their home in Pierre where Russell was a member of the Pierre First United Methodist Church.  He loved his church and served in many capacities over the years including sitting on the education, finance and administrative boards, serving as church treasurer, annual conference delegate and archive committee member.              Russell was also a fan of the arts and promoted them in his community. He was a founding board member of the Pierre Players when it began in 1966 and served as their first business manager. He later served in various offices, as historian and box office manager. He also served as the first President of the Short Grass Arts Council in its beginnings in 1974 and was active as a board member for the Pierre Concert Association at various times. Russell was an avid movie fan and worked for the State Theatre Company (State, Grand, Studio 109, and Sioux Drive-In) as assistant manager from 1961-1978. After his retirement from the Department of Transportation, he enjoyed volunteering and being part of the staff at the Countryside Hospice Thrift Store from 1996-2012.
    Russell is survived by his niece Kelcy Nash of Pierre and his nephew Adam (Amanda) Nash and his children Breanna Marie and Kennedy Rae all of Elkton, S.D. along with numerous extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and brothers Donald Nash and Kieth (Charlene) Nash.  
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Pierre First United Methodist Church, Pierre Players, or Countryside Hospice.      Condolences may be conveyed to the family at www. feigumfh.com