Russell Mcvay

Russell Dea McVay, age 63, of Denison, Iowa, former Cedar Rapids, Iowa, resident died May 14, 2013, at the Creighton Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, after a short illness.
Russ was born in Denison on June 12, 1949, the only child of Orval and Myrtle Prine McVay. Russ received his education in the Denison Community Schools graduating with the class of 1967. He was a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa. Russ served as band director at Royal and Wellsburg, Iowa prior to becoming the band director at Regis High School in Cedar Rapids. He was the first band director at Xavier High School, also in Cedar Rapids. Russ was a talented musician and gifted teacher. He touched the lives of many of his students. He was a member of Iowa Bandmasters Association. Russ returned to Denison upon his retirement where he enjoyed gardening and spending time with his mother and beloved dog, Siani.
He is survived by his daughter, Tabitha Jane DeCamp (Marty), his son, Thaddeus James (Kristin), grandsons, Brady DeCamp, Grant McVay, and future Baby Boy McVay expected to arrive in August; his cousin, Geraldine Fullington, and his former wife, Jenifer James Phelan and her mother, Gertrude James. He leaves behind many friends and cherished students. He was preceded in death by his parents.