Russell A. Aubrey

Dr. Russell Albert Aubrey, 84, of Anderson, Indiana, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2025, surrounded by his devoted family. A man of brilliant intellect, steadfast integrity, and quiet strength, Russell lived a life rooted in service - service to knowledge, to community, to his students, and above all, to his family.

Born in Washington D.C., on September 8, 1940, Russell displayed exceptional intellect from a young age, driven by an insatiable curiosity that would shape the trajectory of his remarkable career. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Virginia in 1962, and pursued graduate studies at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), where he received both his Master's and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering in 1969. It was there, as a teaching assistant, that his lifelong dedication to mentorship first took root.

Russell began his professional journey at the height of the space race, working at NASA's Langley Research Center (1962-1965), where he developed instrumentation for aircraft and spacecraft systems. His work continued at Texas Instruments in Dallas, where he contributed to groundbreaking advancements in integrated circuits for aerospace and defense, critical contributions during a tense period in Cold War history. 

In 1970, he returned to the Midwest and joined Seybert's Electronics in Anderson, Indiana, a family-run electronics supply and sound contracting company. As President and general manager, Russell transformed Seybert's into a local leader in electronic systems. His entrepreneurial vision helped bridge the gap between high tech innovation and everyday application, offering customized solutions for businesses, churches, schools, and families. 

Yet it was in the classroom that Russell found his greatest calling. in 1990, he joined Purdue University's School of Technology in Anderson as a professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology (ECET). Over nearly two decades, he became a beloved educator and mentor, combining industrial expertise with a deep passion for teaching. His instruction was practical, engaging, and student-centered, emphasizing the critical thinking, teamwork, and hands-on problem solving. 

Russell's accomplishments, however, were only part of his story. His greatest joy was his family. In 1964, he married Shirley Seybert, the love of his life, whom he met in Washington D.C., while she was working as a stewardess for United Airlines. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and purpose. 

They raised two children, Cary and Heather, and eventually settled on a farm outside Anderson where Russell embraced rural life with enthusiasm, raising horses and cattle, tending to corn and soybean fields, and finding peace in nature. He adored being a grandfather to Austin and Kannin and was overjoyed to meet his great-granddaughters, forming bonds that will echo for generations.

Russell and Shirley were deeply committed to their community. They gave generously of their time and resources to organizations such as United Way, Liberty Christian School, the Hopewell Center, Anderson Fine Arts Center, and the White River Development Commission. Together, they championed education, the arts, and social service in Anderson and beyond.

Even after retiring from Purdue in 2008 and being honored with the title Professor Emeritus, Russell continued to explore, learn, and contribute. Whether repairing vintage electronics, reading scholarly journals, or sitting on the porch at the family farm or their condo in Fort Myers, Florida, he remained a thinker and teacher to the end.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marye K. Lambcke and Belmont Russell Aubrey. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Shirley; his children Cary (Sarah) Aubrey and Heather Aubrey-Boulware (Paul); his grandchildren, Austin (Andrea) Boulware and Kannin Boulware; two cherished great-granddaughters; and many friends, colleagues, and former students whose lives he enriched with quiet wisdom and steady encouragement.

At Russell's request, there will be no formal memorial service or visitation. His ashes will be spread privately by his family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Humane Society, Purdue ECET scholarships, or a charity of the donor's choice. 

Dr. Russell Aubrey lived a life guided by quiet purpose, enduring integrity, and deep care for others. His legacy lives on in the students he taught, the technologies he advanced, the community he served, and the family he cherished.