Russell was born on November 29, 1952 in Phoenix, AZ to Russell and Audrey (Prate) Gunn. He grew up in Phoenix and graduated in 1971 from Grand Island Senior High School. He attended the Technical College in Hastings, NE. Later he attended Grand Island Central Community College for computers.
He was united in marriage to Tammie on June 30, 1979, in Grand Island. After which the couple lived in Grand Island and raised their family. Russell was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He enjoyed genealogy, computers, spending time with his granddaughter, playing cards, and loved telling stories.
Russell is survived by his wife: Tammie of Grand Island; sons: Chris Gunn (partner Stephanie Cool of Lincoln) and Michael Gunn both of Grand Island; granddaughter: Beth Gunn; nephew: Don Dickson; niece: Deb (Dickson) (Aaron) Ham; great niece: Natalie Ham; and dog: Buffy.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Russell and Audrey; son: Russell Edwin Gunn II known as "Thumper"; sister and husband: Sharron (Don) Dickson; grandmother: Jessie Conn; aunt: Betty Conn.