Russell J. Stutes, Sr.

Russell Joseph Stutes, Sr. passed from this earthly life in his home on December 22, 2015, surrounded by his four loving children and devoted wife, Cissy. Russell was born in Crowley, Louisiana on January 9, 1938, the only son of Rena and Horace Stutes. He was raised and graduated from high school in Crowley in 1955. He attended one semester of college at SLI (now “ULL”). In 1956, his mother became gravely ill, forcing him to abandon college and he set out to Lake Charles to work in industry.

Upon his arrival in Lake Charles in 1956, Russell knew fewer than 10 people in Calcasieu Parish, mostly cousins and other distant relatives. He soon met, chased, and caught the love of his life, Sharon Bennett Stutes. They were married on February 20, 1957. Russell and Cissy welcomed four children during their marriage, Lisa, Christi, Rusty and Leslie.

In 1959, as a young husband and father, Russell began work as an operator for Cities Service. In the early 1960’s, he discovered an unexpected career as a carpenter when a coworker suggested a way to earn extra money. His obvious talent as a cabinet-maker and incomparable work ethic quickly landed him more and more jobs in the field of custom construction. By the early 1970’s, he was working two full time jobs, one as an operator on the graveyard shift, and the second as a contractor during the day. The two jobs continued until 1980, when friends and family convinced him to focus solely on custom construction. By the mid-1980’s, the product of his passion resulted in “Russell Stutes” becoming synonymous with fine construction. He never acknowledged this, and, until the end, his humility remained his most endearing quality. He treasured and remained ever-loyal to his vendors, employees and his customers. He continued to supervise Stutes Construction projects from home until the very last days of his life. His passion and joy for exceptional craftsmanship is on display in thousands of homes throughout Southwest Louisiana.

His passions in life beyond work were hunting, fishing and spending quality time with his extended family and many friends. He was blessed to be able to hunt and fish with all of his family on numerous occasions at Moss Lake and in many different places.

Russell is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sharon “Cissy” Gayle Bennett Stutes; four children, Evelyn “Lisa” Stutes, Christina “Christi” Clark, Russell “Rusty” J. Stutes, Jr. (wife, Debbie), and Leslie Milligan (husband, Patrick); twelve grandchildren, Elisabeth Landry, Stacy Pierson, Laura Roth, Megan Cannon, Haley Clark, Russ, Louis and Alexandra Stutes, Abbie Grace, Gus, Hank and Mary-Elise Milligan; and eleven great-grandchildren. Russell is also survived by one sister, Linda Kate Laurents (husband, Woody). He was proud of his Catholic upbringing and his ability to send all of his children and grandchildren to Catholic schools.

Russell was predeceased in death by his parents, Rena and Horace Stutes, and one sister, Mary Stutes Nunez.

Visitation will be held at Johnson’s Funeral Home, Wednesday, December 23, 2015, from 3 until 8 p.m.; Time of Remembrance at 5:30 p.m.; followed by a Rosary at 6 p.m, with Monsignor James Gaddy officiating. Visitation will continue Thursday, December 24, 2015, from 8 until 9:30 a.m. A mass of Christian burial will be held at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Church at 10 a.m. with Reverend Bill Ruskoski officiating. Burial will be in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.

The Stutes family extends their sincere appreciation to Dr. Craig Broussard, and Mandy, Courtney and Heather of Heart of Hospice, for the extraordinary and compassionate care given to Russell during his illness. In lieu of flowers, the Stutes family requests that donations be made to the Cornerstone Capital Campaign at Our Lady Queen of Heaven School or the St. Louis High School Foundation.