Russell W. Smalley, age 85, of Council Bluffs, passed away April 23, 2019 at Midlands Living Center in Council Bluffs. Russ was born December 6, 1933 in Plattsmouth, Nebraska to the late Fay and Hermie (Retelsdorf) Smalley. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force for 21 years, retiring as a Tech Sergeant. Russ then went to work for the Union Pacific Railroad as a welder for 21 years, retiring in 1998. He married Norene Costanzo Thompson on August 24, 2001 in Pocatello, Idaho. Russ was a member of Open Door Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, Russ was preceded in death by his sister and 3 brothers. Russ is survived by his wife of 17 years, Norene Smalley of Council Bluffs; son, Eric Smalley of Plattsmouth; daughters, Karen Smalley of Lincoln, Nebraska, Michelle (David) Monnette of Dallas, Texas; granddaughter, Shelby Frank; stepchildren, Andrew (Jackie) Thompson of Omaha, Jenny (Sean) Patrick of Council Bluffs; step-grandchildren, Sabrina Patrick, Natalie Doughman, Leigha Patrick, Logan Davis, Megan Patrick and Harmony Thompson; nieces and nephews. To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Russell W. Smalley, please visit our .