Russell Howard Standage
February 17, 1954 - July 1, 2018

"Russ was a person hard to forget, happy, determined, considerate, brilliant, funny. We think of him lots and miss him. "

"I was luckier than many people because I got to grow up with Russ. He was one of my two ?big? brothers. He was the closest in age-being only 3 years older. I got the joys of telling on him but also confiding in him; of being so excited to meet his friends until he told them I was his baby sister; of seeing him playing a boogie woogie piano piece as the honored final player at our recitals, of knowing Diana as his loved and loving wife and through good and bad times, he was ALWAYS a loving brother and friend. Keep Dad company up there and know that I?ll talk to you from time and this way I should be able to get a word in edgewise in our conversations! I miss you already dear brother"

"So sorry for your loss, Russ was a good friend and I will miss our hours of conversations. "

"Diana and Family, I, too, am sad with you. Words are never adequate to say at the loss of a loved one, however, I do want to share that Russ was one of my heroes. He was one of my patients at the 375th Medical Group at Scott AFB, IL. He was so positive and kept my staff on their toes. After his many medical battles and he had left Scott AFB, he continued to stay in touch. I felt honored each time he called or I called him. He was that special patient that keeps one going. He gave me strength to deal with the death and dying of our patients on 1E--Oncology. He was a source of courage to keep on keeping on. He shared stories about his life, love of family- Diana and Kandra, horses, dogs and biking. He was amazing to do so much and kept on fighting for his life. He is the hero we need in this day's society. He will be missed! "

"Jean O'Mara: I too met Russ at Shaw AFB in SC. I worked as an RN on the medical unit and for a short time in the ICU: Russ was a medic in the ICU. It was a small hospital so all the staff got to know one another quite well. Russ was very social and always kept us laughing with his witty comments. He did not let us have any excuses for feeling disturbed or down in the dumps; he loved to give anyone a fun ribbing. After 5 yrs at Shaw I transferred to Scott AFB, IL. My second assignment there was the oncology unit. One day in walked Russ; unfortunately he had arrived for an oncology consultation. As a military nurse taking care of any military family member was always special and important, but when a coworker arrives as a patient, it becomes very personal and heart wrenching. Russ was very special to myself, Marion Rose and Lori Norris. We saw him quite often in the months that followed, as he was aerovaced back and forth between Offutt AFB and Scott AFB. It has been a lasting friendship since that time. He loved to call and give updates on his military friends and I am sure he did this with each one of us. A special memory for me is the advice Russ gave me re buying a bicycle. With his great love for biking it was only natural to ask for his advice. I loved that Garelli and it brought me years of enjoyment. And the corkies...oh he loved to tell me about the latest shows and awards they received! Whenever I see a corkie on those funny animal home videos, I think of Russ and Diana and it makes me smile. When I spoke to Russ last week I knew things were not good for him and I think he knew as well; but he attempted to keep things positive. I regret that I did get to Ashland to see him.. Fly with the angels dear Russ! May they ever be at your side as you walk in your Father's everlasting home. Until we meet again, fond memories of your special friendship are cherished. "

"Russ was my very good friend. We met each other at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina through tennis. He and I would practice long hours in preparation for competition. These practices enabled me to reach a number one ranking in South Carolina. He and I paired up and achieved a number 3 doubles ranking. He was a fine tennis player and gave me many helpful observations during matches. Russ accompanied me on a couple of mountain climbs in Colorado before his devastating illness. In later years we would discuss the matches and personalities at the major tennis events. Whenever I came for a visit, we would tour the Omaha Zoo and say hi to the gorillas. Russ has been a good friend to me and confidant over the years. I will miss him greatly."

"So sorry for your loss. Russ was a good Son-in-law. I really liked how hard he laughed when something was funny. I loved to see him and the dogs do the banana dance. He will be missed. May he RIP. Peg Wilfong "