Donald was born in Fremont, Nebraska, on June 11, 1935. He attended Midland University earning a BS in Accounting. Donald made a career the U.S. Border Patrol and Immigration Services for 32 years, retiring as the District Director in the Denver office in 1990. Donald married Rosemary Russell in 1957 and they were married for 61 years until his passing.

Donald is survived by his wife, Rosemary; sons, Charles and Jonathan (Veronica); granddaughters, Anneliese, Nichole (Sean) and Mila Russell; and his great-grandson, Zachery.

Donald was an avid fly fisherman and in his retirement created Don Russell Custom Rods. In that venture he built more than 408 fishing rods.