Russell "Roc" Brame

Loved and Respected

Russell Anthony Brame

“ROC”

Russell Anthony Brame made his appearance as the eighth child of ten born to John A. and Marjorie L. Brame on Friday, August 7, 1953. Russell was born in Logan County, Crescent, Oklahoma.  He was surrounded by his older siblings Sandra “Pete-Girl”, Joyce Kathryn, Johnny, Anna and June. Soon after, Karen “Kay” and Bryant “Boogie”, rounded out the family. In 1957, John moved his family to Denver, Colorado for better job possibilities and new opportunities for his family.

Russell attended Denver Public Schools Whittier and Wyatt Elementaries, Cole Middle School and graduated as a Thunderbolt from Manual High School in 1971. Russell was an athlete, he loved playing baseball both in school and in the neighborhood, with family and friends. In the neighborhood, Russell Square Park, hosted many kids and their games. Russell and his siblings along with his running buddies, cousins Art “Peannie” and Ray, practically lived in the park. Russell loved baseball so much that he played for years on the family softball team, Rambros that was sponsored by his dad (John) and his best friend (Uncle Red). Rambros won many championships and placed many times in the Denver Parks and Recs league with Russell in the outfield and coaching the team.

After high school, instead of continuing to play baseball, Russell decided to apply for work at Union Pacific RailRoad. Not being twenty-one years old, his dad had to sign for him to work.  In 1974 he started as a trainman.  He soon set his sight on becoming an engineer and began that training program.  In 1979 he began driving trains, Russell was an engineer.  His regular route was from Denver to Sharon Springs, KS. Russell served Union Pacific from 1974, retiring in 2013.  Russell gained life-long friends at Union Pacific, who he continued to talk with on a regular basis and the group had monthly lunch at Lucero’s Mexican Restaurant for many, many years. This was a highlight for Russell.

Russell had one child, his “Twin” Azure Jenae Brame. Russell and Azure’s relationship was  strong and their bond became more solid as the years passed. Azure looked so much like her dad that people who knew Russell and never met Azure or maybe didn’t know he had a daughter, met her and immediately asked, “Are you Russell Brame’s daughter?” Usually the smile would give it away. Not only does Azure look like her dad, she has some of his ways. They shared many other likes, music, road trips, cooking, family time, photography and just being with each other.  Azure gave her dad his only grandson, Dashaun Anthony.  Russell delighted in being Pa-Pa  and he and Dashaun spent much time together, bonding in their special way.

In 1990, Russell met Brenda Knox at Mr. A’s Lounge in Denver.   It was an instant connection between the two. They dated several years before marrying on November 22, 1997.  They celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary seven days before his passing. Because of the love and respect they had for each other, Russell and Brenda’s marriage was special. Russell has been a dad to Brenda’s three children, Thadius, Vikki and Constance (Vette).  Over the years the blended family had good times together whether traveling or at home. Russell was a strong pillar of support and a role model for his family.

Russell was all about family:   siblings, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. If there was a family cookout or any type of gathering, he was there. Most times, his ribs or pork roast were on deck. Not to mention his green beans with potatoes, baked beans and macaroni and cheese also had to make an appearance.  The vegetarians in the family probably tasted a bone, at least once. Russell relished seeing family, friends and others lick their lips while eating his food. He also cooked for many events at Brenda’s Church, Faith Temple, and his ribs were a staple at  Peaceful Rest church cookouts.  He barbecued for many work potlucks that were not even for Union Pacific. Azure and his nieces definitely called on him to cook for their jobs. The last few years he loved going back to Whittier both as an alumni and to cook for Back to School Night and the Spring Fling. “The best hotdogs and hamburgers ever!” At least according to Whittier students, parents and staff.

The Brame siblings grew up very close. As they got older Russell developed a more defined relationship with each sibling.  They each had a special place in Russell’s heart, as he did with them. It seems that after the passing of their mom, the oldest sister Pete-Girl and then their dad, the five remaining siblings, Joyce Kathryn, Johnny, Ann, Russell and Kay held on to each other even tighter. If they didn’t see each other every day, they talked on the phone, even if for a few minutes. They were always looking after and doing for one another. The family hailed from Crescent, OK and just as their parents always taught them to never forget home, they didn’t. Some of the fives bonding came from continued road trips to Crescent, one place they all cherished going, and sitting on the porch of the family home doing nothing. Although Johnny and Russell always found a project or two to do around the property.

Russell had an amazing relationship with each of his nieces and he could not have been more loved.  He would send them an individual text on Valentine’s day proclaiming that niece was his favorite and they all felt it until his death. It wasn’t any one thing that Russell did for them because he did so much, but it was just the man, uncle and father figure that he was to the six of them.

Russell was a devoted son, a loving brother, a beloved father, a faithful husband, a caring uncle and a loyal friend.  Anyone who ever knew Russell knows these words describe him well, but more than anything Russell was a giver.  Whether family, friends or acquaintances, Russell gave his time, love, food, knowledge, advice, laughter, kindness, carpentry and mechanic skills, and much much more. Whenever called by Pastor Survine, Russell always lended his handyman skills to Peaceful Rest Baptist Church and the members called him personally to cook for them or do some odd job. Although he did not attend services, Russell was a man who believed in the Lord and a man of faith, this was his way of service.  In turn, he was a respected and honorary member of the church. He was endeared to all who met him and had so many bonus nieces and nephews, they cannot all be counted.  No one will deny, Russell gave!

Those who transitioned before Russell departed this life were; his parents, John A. and Marjorie L. Brame; his sisters, Sandra Calhoun and V. June Williams; his brothers, Bryant, Harvey Lee and Donnie Brame; brother-in-law, John A. Williams; niece, Karrington Hudson; and nephew, Paul Brame.

Russell was loved by family and many others. He closed his eyes to the embrace of the Lord, Tuesday November 29, 2022. Those left to remember and reflect on his life include: his wife Brenda L. Knox Brame; daughter Azure Jenae Brame; siblings Joyce Kathryn Brame, John B. Brame, Anna L. (Joseph) Hall, and Karen A. Brame; grandson Dashaun A. Brame Moore all of Denver, CO; godson Leon B. Shields, Jr. of Tuscaloosa, AL.; mother-in-law Dorothy Knox;  brother-in-law Tommie (Brenda) Knox; sister-in-laws Linda Knox, LaTonya Knox, Beverly (Jerry) Brockington and Donna Majors;  his children, Lawan Flynn, Thadius (Biannaca) Jennings, Vikki (Edward) Turner, Constance Jennings; grandchildren Dominique, Semaj, Kirrah, Lauren, Tyler, Kaeden and bonus great grandson Kylin; nieces, nephews, cousins and countless extended family and friends.

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