In Memory of… Russell F. Boren – President ISEE 1992 - 1994

Russell F. Boren, Sr., 91, of Oneonta, AL., passed away on September 10, 2023. Russell loved Auburn, Blount County, all churches, and most of all – his family.

Russell was born and raised in Hayden, AL. He attended St. Bernard High School from where he graduated a semester early. He went straight into college attending St. Bernard Jr. College for three semesters. He went on to get a Civil Engineering degree from Auburn University in December of 1954.

Russell worked as an engineer in the late 50’s and early 60’s for Blount County. Russell worked for Debardeleben Coal Cooperation until he and his uncle formed Pawnee Construction Company. After five years, they left and started Dixie Drilling Cooperation in 1966, and in 1968 they also formed Apache Machine and Supply Company as well as Apache Construction. A little later in 1972, Russell also started Boren Explosives Company. In 1990, he formed a joint venture and worked with Dyno Nobel, until he sold them his part and Boren Explosives Company in 2018. After 50 plus years, Russell elected to liquidate both Dixie Drilling and Apache Construction in 2021. During this time, Russell was also in commercial real estate before he and his sons purchased Limestone Springs in 2020, after living there since 2008. Throughout his years, Russell also owned several coal mines, was involved in the trucking business, and owned Boren Trucking.

Russell served on the International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE) Board for many years and served as President from 1992-1994. His focus was on education. He was instrumental in the establishment of the SEE Education Foundation and served on the board of trustees of the foundation for many years. He was known to reach into his own pocket when the foundation did not have enough money to award every worthy scholarship applicant. Much of the work and development of ISEE’s Certificate Program - Level One took place during his presidency. This included maintaining relationships with and communicating with regulatory agencies to get the training approved. Rights to the Blasters’ Handbook was purchased from ETI, formerly Dupont, and ABA publishing was purchased which was the beginning of the Blasters’ Library.

He is preceded in death by wife Hazel Boren; son Fred Boren, Jr.; great grandson Connor Wilson. He is survived by son Patrick F. Boren; grandchildren Amanda Boren, Andrea Boren, Rachel Little (Kevin), Olivia Boren, Russell Boren III; great grandchild Ryder Little; brother Jerry Boren (Nelda); daughter-in-law Janie Boren; brother-in-law Charles Puckett.

The family would like to thank all the many employees throughout the years of all the Boren Companies.