Edwin Russell Ditto

Edwin Russell Ditto, 77, of Gardendale, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2026, in Midland, Texas, surrounded by his loved ones. He faced a brief but courageous health battle with his characteristic spirit—full of sarcasm and always trying to convince everyone he was “just fine.”

Russell was born on August 1, 1948, in Paris, Texas, to Edwin and Donnie (Taylor) Ditto. As the oldest of five children, he grew up in Kermit and he graduated from Kermit High School in 1967. Soon after, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving from 1968 to 1972. During his service, he was in the Vietnam war with the 443rd Military Airlift Command and stationed at Phan Rang Air Force Base.

Following his military service, Russell began a long career in the west Texas oilfields with Union Oil of 76 at the Dollarhide facility. Over his 25 years with Unocal, he worked his way up from Utility Operator to Field Superintendent. In 1997, he joined Sims Plastics, Inc., where he served as Vice President until his retirement in 2021.

Earlier in life, Russell married Donna Jean Mathis, and together they had two children, Angelia Lea (Ditto)Abalos and Brian Lee Ditto. In the early 1980s, he moved to southeastern New Mexico, where he met and married Barbara Ann Braudaway in 1982. With her two children, Glen Braudaway and Tricia Green (Braudaway), they blended their families. Though no longer married at the time of his passing, Russell and Barbara shared a lasting bond, remaining close friends after 42 years of marriage, enjoying visits and lunch dates together up until his passing.

Russell found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved watching westerns—especially Gunsmoke and Yellowstone—caring for his yard, quail hunting, going to casinos, cheering for the New England Patriots, and taking drives in his truck just to sightsee. He especially cherished time spent with his good friend and neighbor, Allen Moore. Many afternoons were spent sharing stories of hot rods, younger days, and Vietnam war experiences, and Russell always enjoyed riding in Allen’s 62 Chevy.

He is survived by his children: daughter Angelia (Richard) Abalos of Kermit; son Brian (Nikki) Ditto of Wink; son Glen Braudaway of Midland; and daughter Tricia (Marty) Green of McGregor. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Ashley (Derek) Marrufo, Austin (Sabryna) Awbrey, Brayden (Kaitlin) Awbrey, Duke (Lexi) Abalos, Britton Abalos, Arien (Azalee) Ditto, Jayleigh Ditto, Dylan (Emily) Singleton, Samantha Braudaway, Rachel (Robert) Cepero, Alex McDonald, Brantley (Megan) Green, Kaleigh (Eric) Montes, and Jaycee (Thomas) Aars; 18 great-grandchildren; his brothers, Roger (Phyllis) Ditto of Billings, Montana, and Ralph Ditto of Enumclaw, Washington; and his sisters, Brenda Harrison of Laguna Park, Texas, and Beverly (Bill) Holliman of Killen, Alabama.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin L. and Donnie (Taylor) Ditto.

A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held on Saturday, May 16, at 10:00 a.m. at Sunset Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home, 6801 E. Highway 80, Odessa, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation or the Wounded Warrior Project.

The family of Edwin Russell Ditto extends their sincere appreciation to his good companion, Omar Barnes of Midland, for the wonderful care and friendship he provided, and to NursEx Home Health Services for their compassionate care.