Dick Russell, age 81, passed away after a courageous 7 ½ year battle with pancreatic cancer. His courage and positive attitude were so recognized, the Lemmen-Holton doctors and staff asked if he would mentor others fighting this horrible disease.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents Leroy and Reah Russell; sister, Norma; daughter, Terri; in-laws Elgin and Annis Fuller. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Sandra; children Rick (Kim) Russell of Shelbyville and Julie (Eric) Smith of Wayland; sister, Evelyn Russell of Bradenton, FL; granddaughters Samantha Sager and Cassondra Smith; great-granddaughters Savannah and Makenzie Lemmon.
Dick was an avid outdoorsman and after his diagnosis still found a way to enjoy the things he loved most - skeet shooting, hunting, fishing, stock car racing, and most of all his family. Dick was also a U.S. Navy veteran, serving aboard the destroyer U.S.S. Weeks and participating in the Bay of Pigs invasion during the Cuban missile crisis.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Home, 312 N. Main Street, Wayland, MI 49348. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, February 9, 2023 at the funeral home, with visitation from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wings of Hope. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.kubiakcookwayland.com.
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