Funeral services for Mr. Russell J. Desoto will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 7, 2014 in the Chapel of Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball, Louisiana with the Rev. Dwayne Rogers officiating and assisted by Sheriff William Earl Hilton. Graveside rites will be conducted by Masons from the W.D. Fisher Lodge #480 Deville, Louisiana. Interment will be in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Ball, Louisiana, under the direction of Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball, Louisiana.

Mr. DeSoto, age 77, of Pineville, entered eternal rest on Monday, July 1, 2014 at Rapides Regional Medical Center, Alexandria, Louisiana.

He was an avid fisherman and hunter. He loved spending time with his grandchildren; rather it was going to Chuck E Cheese or Beauty Pageants. He was a Shriner and a Mason for many years. He also owned and operated Russell DeSoto Homebuilder’s for 20 years, Triple A Transmission for 10 years, Louisiana Mobility for 10 years and a volunteer Deputy for the Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office. He was a loving father and grandfather.

He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Effie DeSoto; one daughter, Julia Rayner; brothers and sisters.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Judy J. DeSoto of Pineville; one son, Glenn DeSoto of Pineville; one brother, O.G. DeSoto (Phyllis) of Harrisonville, N.C.; two sisters, Dottress Cassell of Ball and Marie Vallery (Byrl Price) of Harrisonville, N.C.; five grandchildren, Misty DeSoto Masters (Vinson DeSoto) of Pineville, Cory DeSoto (Heather) of Marksville, Naomi DeSoto of Pineville, Bobbie Smith of Pineville and Waylon Rayner (Angela) of Pineville; eleven great grandchildren, Bryce Masters, Briahnna Waldron, Peyton Mercer, Bentley Lofton, Caleb Cheatham, Micah Cheatham, Delton Smith, Tristin Evans, Kennedy DeSoto, Devin and Dillion Rayner all of Pineville; special niece, he considered as his granddaughter, Jessica DeSoto of Pineville; also survived by many family and friends.

Friends may call at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball, Louisiana on Sunday, July 6, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Monday, July 7, 2014 from 12:00 p.m. until time of services.

Friends may post online messages of condolence for the DeSoto family by visiting www.gallagherfh.com.