Russell Patterson

Born at home June 25, 1920, in Cardington, Ohio, to Frank and Lucy (Hickson) Patterson, Russell lived a life marked by honor, resilience and generosity.

After graduating from Cardington High School in 1938, Russell answered his country’s call on March 31, 1942, and enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He served with the Eighth Air Force, 401st Bomb Group, 612th Squadron, based in Deenethorpe, England. He served as a radio operator aboard B-17 aircraft on 35 missions in the European theater. For his sacrifice and bravery, Russell was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters and three theater ribbons with bronze stars. Following his missions in Europe, Russell continued to serve his country by flying over fifty supply missions through the Himalayan Mountains from India into China.

After returning home, Russell attended Ohio Wesleyan University on the GI bill and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1949. He earned his Master’s of Education degree from Bowling Green University in 1963. On May 29, 1950, he married his wife, Marian. Russell taught and coached for several school districts, and was hired at Madison School district in 1953. He taught, coached, and later served as assistant principal, then principal of Madison Junior High beginning in 1963. With assistance from family members, Russell built the family home in 1958 and raised a family in Lexington, Ohio. He and Marian have resided there since that time.

He retired from education in 1979 and worked part time for Charles Mill Marina, as a driver and payroll manager. He also volunteered at Mid-Ohio Race Car Course in scoring and timing since the mid 1970’s. In 2014, the scoring and timing room at Mid-Ohio was named in his honor. Russell attended Central Methodist Church in Mansfield for many years, and Church of the Cross in Lexington, more recently.

In 2008, he was privileged to participate in an Honor Flight of veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the National World War II Memorial.

An avid fan of Ohio State athletics, as well as the Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Browns, Russell was thrilled to see the Buckeyes win the 2015 College Football National Championship. He was one of the veterans honored during a tribute on the Ohio Stadium scoreboard at a November 2014, football game.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings Mildred (Ralph) Levering, Lowell (Ruth) Patterson and David (Beulah) Patterson, and brother-in-law, Edward Lake.

Russell is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marian, of Lexington, Ohio, who lovingly cared for him during his illness. He is also survived by son, Mark Patterson and his wife Linda, of Mansfield, Ohio; daughter, Jodi Schraedly and her husband Bob, of Lexington, Ohio; son, Jon Patterson and his wife Terri, of Wexford, Pennsylvania; granddaughters, Lauryl Schraedly and Paige Miller; grandsons, Andrew Schraedly, Shane Patterson, Jake Patterson, and Brian Patterson; special sister-in-law, Guian Lake; dear friend, Doug Castle; and many more family and friends who loved him dearly.

Russell’s family would like to express appreciation to Val and Samantha from Southern Care Hospice, and Stephanie, Janet, Trina and Kelly from Visiting Nurses Association, and the Care Team from Church of the Cross.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider a memorial contribution in Russell’s memory to the Church of the Cross, 236 Otterbein Drive, Lexington, Ohio 44904, or to Honor Flight Columbus, P.O. Box 12036, Columbus, Ohio 43212.

"When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live." (by Stuart Scott)

Russell beat cancer. An affable man with a kind spirit, Russell Patterson leaves behind the legacy of a generosity, bravery and compassion that will remain etched on the hearts of all who knew him.

Memorial services, conducted by Rev. Susan Lausch, will be held Saturday, January 24, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Church of the Cross, 236 Otterbein Drive, Lexington. Family and friends are invited to visit for one hour prior to the service, from 10-11 a.m. Burial will take place at a later date.