THOMAS S. RUSSELL

Thomas “Tom” Seely Russell, our much loved husband, father and grandfather passed away at the age of 80 on February 5, 2014. He was a lifelong resident of Garrettsville, Ohio. Tom was born on November 8, 1933 in his family home on the corner of Maple and Park Avenue to his loving parents, Howard and Zora (Kimpton) Russell.

He was the owner of Russell Furniture & Appliance for 35 years in Garrettsville.
A man of many talents, who was Parade Marshall & Man of the Year for Garrettsville, Tom was honored as Fireman of the Year (GFNFD) 1969 and was a volunteer fire fighter for 45 years. He started the Garrettsville Town Trotters Horse 4-H Club. Tom was instrumental in starting the News and Views newspaper, which is now called the Villager. He also developed the Park Avenue Park and initiated the Fall Festival for 10 years while he was serving on City Council.

Tom was proud to serve on City Council for 15 years (numerous years as Safety Director) and was President of the Chamber of Commerce for many years, as well as a member of the Garrettsville Kiwanis. He was a proud graduate of James A. Garfield High School in 1952, playing all sports. Tom was a member of the Garrettsville United Methodist Church.

He was a member of the Hudson-Essex-Terraplane Car Club Western Reserve Chapter for more than 25 years and was awarded the “Jack and Dee Heisler Memorial Award” in 2013. Tom won numerous prestigious awards over the years for the many cars he restored and collected, assisted by his wife, family and friends. He was a member of the Rat Pack Car Club and so enjoyed the Monday Night Gatherings with the guys. Tom “360” was awarded the 2013 Rat Pack Car Club Man of the Year Lifetime Award ,“360” Our leader of perseverance....Let the good times roll, a ¼ mile at a time.. He was a member of the Lakeland Region Antique Automobile Club of America as well. Tom loved to kick tires on cars and trucks and talking about them with family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jean Russell (nee McCandlish) whom he was fortunate enough to have spent 60 special years of marriage; beloved father to children, Richard L. (Karen) Russell of Akron and Robbin J. (Fiance’ Chip Beem) Russell of Clearwater, FL; grandchildren, who were the light of his life, Richard G. “Ricky” Russell, Daniel J. “Danny” Russell (Caitie Mocarski), Rachel Russell (Shawn Kaplan); sister, Jean (Robert) Farley of Garrettsville; brother, Robert Russell of Garrettsville; many loving nieces and nephews; and his precious dog, Annee Tailwaggin.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Gladys McIntyre and Wanda Williams; brothers, Edward and Howard Russell; and many other loving family members.

The family welcomes friends and family to a Celebration of Life Gathering on Saturday August 23, 2014 from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM at the Garrettsville Fire Department, 8035 Elm St., Garrettsville, Ohio. A Memorial Service will be held at 3:30 PM with Reverend Fred Bell officiating. Casual attire encouraged.

Tom was greatly loved and respected by all those who considered themselves privileged to call him friend. He was a force of nature with a great zest for life and a love of people. Never Forgotten, Always Loved.

Arrangements were entrusted to Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 8382 Center St., Garrettsville, OH 44231.