Russell Raymond Hein

Denison, Texas
Russell Raymond Hein (71) surrounded by his family, passed away on January 23, 2022, at Baylor, Scott and White Heart Hospital following an abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture.
Russell was born July 17, 1950, to Oscar John Hein Jr and Eloise Elizabeth (Hoevet) in South Chicago Heights, IL. He was their third child and the only boy. He was named after Oscar’s friend from WWII.
Russ graduated from Bloom High School in 1968. After high school he attended Prairie State College for 2 years.
He married Robinette Walters, “his wife, the love of his life and cutie pie of his eye” on January 17, 1976.
Russ began his career at Abex drafting for railroad track design. He was motivated and worked hard to learn everything he could about specialized trackwork. This led him to move his family all over the United States. He worked the last 20 years at Progress Rail in Sherman, TX. He was well respected and extremely knowledgeable in the railroad track industry. Russ was a problem solver and a go to guy. He was passionate about special trackwork and was willing to teach and train anyone that wanted to learn. He helped invent many components for railroad tracks and has seven patents with his name on them. It is said, something he made or designed is in every rail yard in North America.
Russ loved pizza (and beer)! He spent years and many recipes perfecting what his family considered the best pizza ever. Hockey was one of his favorite sports. He played in a hockey league until his mid 40’s. He loved the Chicago Black Hawks but would watch any team play. In football he cheered for the Chicago Bears and anyone that played the Dallas Cowboys. Wheel of Fortune was on his TV every weeknight. It was joked that he loved going to the grocery store. When his large family descended upon his house twice a year, he would make so many trips to the grocery. He never complained and often went right back when something was left off the list. He loved a good joke and prided himself on being a funny guy. He was famous for sayings like “Jams, teeth, bed, you’re history” or “if you don’t like my apples, don’t shake my tree.”
He was so proud of his three children and boasted that they became “productive members of society”. He loved his grandchildren and showed it in his acts of service. Which included making sure when they came to visit, he got them their favorite donuts and their preferred drinks.
Russell is survived by his wife of 46 years, Robinette (Walters). His daughter Carey Eisher (Andy) of Smyrna, TN. Sons Eric Hein (Kerri-Anne) of Boca Raton, Fl and Mark Hein of Denton, TX. Three sisters: Beverly Hamilton, Melody Kelly, and Judy Viliborghi. 8 grandchildren; Regan, Hayden, Alex, Lillian, Jaeden, Jada, John, and Jacob. Lifelong friends and co-workers.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, Oscar John Hein Jr and Eloise Elizabeth (Hoevet). His niece Sharon Melrose and nephew Stephen Hamilton.
A celebration of life will be held March 5, 2022. 4:30 pm, at The KATY Depot 101 E. Main St Denison, TX 75021
In lieu of flowers please consider donating blood.
Arrangements were under the direction of Johnson-Moore Funeral Home.
Condolences may be registered to: www.johnsonmoorefuneralhome.net.