Russell Dale Theakston; Mr. T ; beloved and devoted husband; father; and Pap of Brownstown was called home peacefully to be with the Lord on Friday; May 25; 2012 at his residence.

He was born on February 8; 1945; and was the son of the late Simeon Deems and Mary Solt Theakston. At the time of his death Russ was 67 years old; and an elder of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church; Fayette City. Russ was a 1963 graduate of Bellmar High School where he was a standout football player for the Hurricanes. He continued his football career at Kansas State University where he earned a teaching degree in Physical Education. He spent the first ten years of his teaching career within the Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland; and was later employed for more than 30 years by the Belle Vernon Area School District. He retired from his physical education position at Rostraver Elementary School in 2007; where he was known as Mr. T. In 2009; Russ was inducted into the Belle Vernon Area Sports Hall of Fame. After retirement Russ enjoyed traveling with his wife Lynda; spending time with his family and church; going to numerous sporting events in the area to cheer on his grandchildren and their teammates; rooting on the Pittsburgh Steelers; gardening and camping.

Russell is survived by his loving and devoted wife Lynda Knox Theakston with whom he had recently celebrated 45 years of marriage; his four loving daughters; Kelli (children Lauren LeClere;Lyndsie and Lukas) Coniglio; Erin L ( Husband Frank; children Dominick; Francesca;Gabriela and Gianna) Francia; Shannon (Husband Ryan;children Trevor and Maria) Moon; and Meghan (Daughter Malana) Burton; great-grandchild Aria LeClere Grisib; his dear sister Janice (Husband Wayne) Labancz; numerous nieces and nephews; dogs Sebastian and Daisy.

He was preceded in death by his two brothers; Sheridan Theakston (1967) and Harry (Hard Rock) Theakston (1994).

Friends will be received Sunday; May 27; 2012 from 7-9 pm; Monday May 28; 2012 from 2-4 & 7-9 pm in the Fayette City Alliance Church; 211 Connellsville St.; Fayette City; PA. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday May 29; 2012 at 11:00 am in the Church with his Pastor; Pastor Paul G. Cope officiating. Interment will follow in the Belle Vernon Cemetery; Belle Vernon;Pa. In lieu of flowers Memorial contributions may be made to the Fayette City Alliance Church; PO Box 220; Fayette City; Pa.15438. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Eley/McCrory Funeral Home; Inc.;334 Main St.; Fayette City; Pa. (724)-326-5621; www.eleymccroryfuneralhome.com