Russell Louis Barby Jr.

Russell Louis Barby Jr, also known as Shorty of Laverne, Oklahoma, formerly of Knowles Oklahoma was born on August 3, 1947, in Beaver County, Oklahoma to Russell Louis Barby Sr. and Goldie Ruth Baysinger Barby.  Russell passed away on December 20, 2022, at his home with his family by his side.

Russell was married to Sherry Lynn Dotson Barby on November 18, 1978.  They had one daughter Sara Rose Barby and one son Ben Russell Barby.  Russell graduated high school in 1965 from Knowles Oklahoma.  Shorty dedicated his life to being a rancher and when asked by others how old he was when he decided to carry on the family tradition of ranching,  he would reply that he had always wanted to be a rancher and live in poverty.   It was not uncommon for people to say that Russell was a quiet man, until they sat down next to him, and Russell began to tell them his stories about his life on the ranch.  These stories could go on for hours.  Russell was a great storyteller, he would tell the same stories over and over, and occasionally throw in a new one to boot.  His family and friends will miss his stories and his dry sense of humor.

Russell enjoyed tending to his cows and riding around on the ranch with his dog Chompsky.  He loved to read the Old Farmer’s Almanac, Livestock Weekly, and books that talked about the history of Oklahoma especially ranch and cowboy history.  He also loved listening to his radio and relaxing in his recliner.

Russell was also called Papa by his three granddaughters, Shakia, Ollie, and Claire.  Papa Russell enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters, they would listen to his radio together while the girls colored or played games.  Papa and Claire were truck partners when rounding up the cows, while Shakia and Ollie would be a horse helping push the cows.  The girls loved to spoil their papa and would give him snack boxes with all his favorite foods for birthdays and holidays.

Russell is proceeded in death by wife Sherry, brothers Phillip Barby, and Tim Barby, father Russell Barby Sr. and mother Goldie Barby.

Survivors include daughter Sara Barby.  Son Ben Barby and wife Brandy Barby and their three daughters Shakia, Ollie, and Claire of Laverne, Oklahoma.  Sister Pam Andrews and husband Denny Andrews of Gate, Oklahoma. Also included are numerous other cousins and relatives.