Carl Joseph Russell

C. Joseph Russell , a long-time Carmel, Indiana resident died unexpectedly on July 17, 2013. Joe was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, to the late Carl M. and Inez A. Russell, on February 11, 1950. He was a 1968 graduate of Carmel High School and a 1972 graduate of Western Kentucky (B.A. History) where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. Following college, Joe followed his father into the insurance industry, working as a claims adjuster. From there he decided to enroll in law school. He graduated from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law (J.D. 1980). While in law school he served as bailiff to the Honorable Jeffrey V. Boles in Hendricks Circuit Court. Joe was an attorney for 33 years. He served ten years as an Assistant United States Attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice for the Southern District of Indiana. From 1985 to 1992 he served on the U.S. Justice Department's Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force where he received many awards and citations from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U. S. Customs, the U.S. Department of Treasury's Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Indiana State Police. Joe later practiced as a partner at Bose McKinney & Evens, LLP and most recently with his wife, Elizabeth G. Russell (Betsy) as a partner at Krieg DeVault LLP, where he served as legal counsel to the firm. He was a past president of the Indianapolis Bar Association, and a member of the Federal Bar, Indiana State Bar, and the Seventh Circuit Bar Associations. He also served as a delegate to the American Bar Association. He was on the Merit Selection Panels, U.S. Magistrate—Judge Selection Member (2000 and 2001), served on the board of the Federal Community Defenders, and lately served on the board of the Legal Aid Society and the Connor Prairie Living History Museum. A member of Orchard Park Presbyterian Church, Joe served as an Elder and Clerk of Session. Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Betsy; son, Marc Russell (Cazenovia, New York); sister, Sara Edwards; and four nieces and nephews, Bryan and Kevin Beswick, and Bob and Meg Hammond. Joe was a true patriot, a lover of history, especially all things dealing with the Civil War, an avid hunter, and he never met a dog he did not like. He will be terribly missed by his friends, the legal community, and most of all, his family. Visitation will be held Saturday, July 20, 2013 from 2:00 to 6:00 in Flanner and Buchanan – Carmel. Celebrating the Life of Joe will be held 3:00 Sunday, July 21, 2013 in Orchard Park Presbyterian Church 1065 E. 106th Street Indianapolis, Indiana. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joe's name to Orchard Park Presbyterian Church or the Humane Society of Hamilton County. You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan