Russell Francis Reina, born September 21, 1948 in San Antonio, Texas passed away on February 28, 2016 at the age of 67. He was preceded in death by his parents Federico Soto Reina and Alice Elisa Ehrlich Reina.  Russell is survived by his loving family, Becky Reina, Brian F. Reina and Erica A. Falcomata; brothers and sisters Ronald Reina, Eileen Reina-Mason, Gilda Klonek and Randall Reina; grandchildren Grant Reina, Avery Reina and Mila Falcomata and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Russell graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1967 and began his career in Criminal Justice as a San Antonio Police Officer.   During his time with the SAPD he was assigned as a liaison to work with the San Antonio Drug Enforcement Administration Office.  During this assignment he received various commendations for his work, which led him to his career with the Drug Enforcement Administration.  In 1977, he graduated from basic training in Washington D.C. and joined the United States Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration as a Special Agent.   During his twenty-five year career with DEA he served in US Embassies abroad in South and Central America.   His passion for flying began in 1985 while on assignment as a Diplomat with the United States Embassy in Guatemala City, Central America. Russell retired in 2001, as the Regional Special Agent in Charge of the Houston DEA Airwing Division.

Along with his love for flying, he enjoyed biking, swimming and running and competed in numerous events over the years.   He was an avid Dallas Cowboys and San Antonio Spurs fan and looked forward to game days when he could sit alongside family and friends to cheer them on.  After the games were over you could find the entire family at his parents' kitchen table playing their favorite game of dominoes.  Russell had a passion for cooking, but his specialty was his weekend barbecues and signature homemade BBQ sauce.  His children Brian and Erica will always remember those wonderful memories of family, laughter and most of all love.

Russell was very involved in the community and was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Conroe, Texas where he volunteered with various Youth Group Organizations. He will be truly missed by everyone who knew him, but his passion for flying continues as he has now been given permanent "wings" in Heaven and will forever fly.