Dr. Russell R. Louden, II

Dr. Russell R. Louden, II, died Saturday, August 16, 2008, at his residence in Wildwood, Missouri.

A memorial celebration was held Sunday, August 24, 2008, at the church where he was pastor for the last six years, Emanuel Presbyterian.

He was born on Oct. 10, 1947, in Munich, Germany to Russell and Florence Louden. He attended the University of Texas El Paso and received his Bachelor of Arts from Houston Baptist University. His continued studies included Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, Pa. and a Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctorate of Ministry from Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson.

During his service to the Lord, Dr. Louden was a pastor at Surfside, Texas, Briarwood Baptist Church, Jackson, First Presbyterian Church, Dothan, Ala., Mitchell Road Presbyterian Church, Greenville, South Carolina and Westminster Presbyterian in Laurel. While in Laurel, Dr. Louden was not only special to his congregation at Westminster but the community. His greatest passion was for the youth as he was active in the Drama and Music Department and the football program at Laurel High School. He was affectionately known as Reverend Tornado and on Oct. 10, 1997, he received the key to the city as Dr. Russell Louden Day was declared by former Mayor Susan Vincent. Above all, Dr. Louden was known for his infectious love of the Lord that formed his foundation in life and death.

He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Janette LeCren.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Suzanne LeCren Louden; daughter, Kristen Louden Malone of Houston, Texas; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Russell Louden; and sister, Sharon Caroll all of Canton, Texas; father-in-law, Ted LeCren of Gatlinburg,Tenn.; and a host of family and dear friends.

Memorials may be made in Dr. Louden’s memory to the American Cancer Society, 6652 US Hwy. 98 - Suite 4 in Hattiesburg.

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