Russell Ellis Carver

Russell E. Carver, 83, died Sept. 26, 2010 at Washington Soldiers Home, Orting, WA. He was born March 28, 1927 in Mesa County, Colorado to Ray and Ava (Sullivan) Carver. He is survived by 3 sons; Carl (Irene) Carver of Auburn, Russell (Linda) Carver of Sumner, Steve (Sheryl) Carver of Edgewood, Sister; Juanita (Don) McMillen of Centralia and Sister-In-Law; Laurie Carver of Camano Island, 8 Grandchildren Joel (Tennille), Justin (Kristina), Cary (Matt), Russ Jr (Jill), Catherine (Jason), Vanessa, Nathan (Katie), and Ryan). He had 20 Great Grandchildren (Madison, Skyler, Noah, Dylan, Taitum, Samuel, Maeve, Mackenzie, Gabriela, Matthew, Courtney, Hannah, Riley, Anna, Elainah, Emma, Hanna, Hailee, Ethan & Brenna) . Russ maintained a very close & loving relationship with son's mother (Bea) and her husband Doug. He had a very special relationship with his friend Francisco and called Francisco his 4th son. He was preceded in death by his parents Ray, Ava), 4 sisters (Theo-Harold, Marie-Jim, Lavita-Roy, Jean-Bud) and 1 brother (Herman-Laurie). He is a World War II Army veteran who served in the Aleutian Islands. His duties included radio operator, cook and body transport detail. Russell was a farmer all of his life, living off the land and providing food to the local food banks (Sumner, Puyallup, Tacoma), as well as the homeless around Tacoma during the harvest. He was well known for his humanitarian efforts and strong sense of community. Dad made time every Sunday for the last 14 years to bring eggs, flowers, and pies to "Loving Hearts Adult Care" where he visited and helped feed those that lived there. Dad loved children and young adults (family, neighbors, schools) and educated them on farming, animals, and life values. Dad was a great mechanic and there wasn't an engine or piece of equipment he couldn't fix. He helped his neighbors & family with their farm equipment, cars, and farming activities. He loved his animals, and his dog Tiffany (13) preceded him in death just 16 days prior to Russ's passing. He had a great sense of humor, teasing his grandkids, making very funny faces, and provided lots of love from his very HUGE and GIVING heart. We will miss him. Memorial Service is Saturday, Oct. 2, 2010, 11:00AM at Powers Funeral Home, Puyallup, WA. Final inurnment will be at Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, WA.