Russell Albert Gott

Russell Albert Gott, 82, of Barnsdall went home to his heavenly Father Sunday. Russell was born to Ivan Lee and Stella LueEllen (Harris) Gott on Sept. 17, 1934, in Avant in Osage County, OK. He was raised and educated in Avant, graduating high school in 1952. Russell furthered his education in Edmond, OK, at Central State College (now Univ. of Central Okla.). He left school early to pursue his love for sports with Phillips Petroleum Co. in Borger, Texas, playing professional fast pitch men’s softball. His athletic career was cut short by his induction into the US Army in 1958. Russell served in Heidelberg, Germany, where he worked as a clerk/typist with a team of Americans and Germans, recording the official U.S. Army history of WWII. After his honorable discharge Russell met Janice McCauley at an American Legion social and they were united in marriage on June 16, 1961, in Barnsdall. They made their home in Barnsdall before moving to Avant in 1965 where they raised their three sons. Russell had a long career with Petrolite Chemicals retiring in 1996 after 36 years of faithful service. In 2015 they moved back to Barnsdall to be closer to family. Russell took his love for sports to higher levels when he started officiating for both high school and college basketball, baseball and softball games. In 2000, Russell was inducted into the Okla. Secondary School Activities Hall of Fame. Russell and Janice loved to travel and camp together. One memorable trip of their lifetime together included more than 6,000 miles, taking them to California up through Canada and down through Yellowstone National Park. Russel’s passions in life were Faith, Family and the Great Outdoors, in that order. He loved the Lord and was willing to share his faith with others. He was a good provider for his family and had a strong work ethic that his sons still look up to. Russell was an avid bird hunter and trained his own bird dogs, mostly English Pointers. He liked to keep busy with fishing and gardening, and his hands were always working and serving others. Russell is survived by his loving wife Janice of the home; three children, Barry Gott and Kathy of Barnsdall, Michael Gott of Houston, TX, and Tim Gott and Jenny of Barnsdall; one uncle Davis Gott of Santa Rosa, CA; one sister Margaret Long and John of Skiatook; eight grandchildren, Russell “Rusty” Gott and Kristin of Barnsdall, Darrel Ryan Gott and Julie, Hannah Gott, Isaiah Gott, all of Bartlesville, and Josiah Gott, Elijah Gott, Tori Gott and Reilly Gott all of Barnsdall, as well as eight great grandchildren and a host of other family and friends. Celebration of Life Services will be held 2 p.m. Wed., Nov.2, at the Lighthouse Family Worship Center in Barnsdall, with Rev. Barry Gott officiating. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared with Russell’s family at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.

Russell Albert Gott

September 17, 1934 - October 30, 2016