Prominent northeast Texas businessman John Russell Armstrong, 80, was killed Tuesday afternoon, November 30, when the private aircraft he was piloting clipped the top of a tree and flipped over onto its top while coming in for a landing at a private airstrip in rural East Texas.
Services for Mr. Armstrong have been set for 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 4 at Lake Fork Baptist Church in Alba, Texas. Visitation will follow the service.
For slightly more than three decades, John Armstrong helped shape the future of Bonham, Texas from his position as president and later chairman of the board at Bonham State Bank.
A veteran of the U.S. Army, Armstrong graduated from East Texas State Teachers College in 1956 with a BBA in finance and launched what would become a very successful banking career that same year at Republic National Bank of Dallas.
In 1957, Armstrong was hired as the vice president of First National Bank of Commerce, Texas. The next move was to Bonham in 1966 when Armstrong took the reins as bank president at Bonham State Bank. For the next 32 years, Armstrong was the guiding force of the largest bank in Fannin County. In fact, one Bonham project he participated in as a partner, Country Club Village, continues to be a popular real estate development. The project was founded by four leading businessmen in Bonham at the time: Jack Caudle, Dean Smith, Wayne McGuire and John Armstrong.
During his banking career, Armstrong served as chairman of the board of three different banks in northeast Texas and was currently serving as chairman of the holding company for The First National Bank of Emory. A lifelong banker, he receiving his 50-year pin on May 14, 1999.
He served as a Board of Regent of East Texas State University from 1990 - 1996 and was serving as Chairman of the Board when the decision was made to become part of the Texas A&M System.
Armstrong served six years on the Red River Water Authority Board.
On September 25, 2010, he received his 50-year Masons Service Recognition award.
Armstrong was an avid golfer and fisherman who also enjoyed flying and frequent trips in his motorhome. He was happiest when enjoying the company of friends and family.
Since moving to Emory in 1998, Armstrong had served his Lake Fork Baptist family faithfully. He was a deacon in the church.
John Russell Armstrong is survived by Nelba, his wife of 54 years, a daughter Lannette Armstrong Beaver and her husband Steve Beaver of Emory, a son J. Russell Armstrong and his wife Lee Armstrong of Commerce, grandchildren Ryan Beaver of Austin, Cody Beaver of Emory, Brin Beaver of Waco, Matthew and Rachel Armstrong of Waco, Sister-in-Law Frances Armstrong of Sulphur Springs, and his aunt Elizabeth “Sis” Williams of Emory. He is also survived by a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the Lake Fork Baptist Church, Alba, Texas, First Baptist Church of Emory, Texas or First Baptist Church of Commerce, Texas.