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Thomas D. 'Tom' Russell East Lansing, MI QCWA # 17261 |
Thomas Dale Russell, 72, of East Lansing died peacefully at home July 26, 2017. Tom was born in Sandusky, Michigan on December 29, 1944 to the late John and Dorothy Russell. He was married August 19, 1972 to Gail who survives, along with their beloved daughter, Elizabeth (Tim) Thackaberry of Charleston, SC; siblings Robert (Claire) of Doylestown, PA; Kathleen (Joseph) Simeri of South Bend, IN; and Carol Walsh of Lilburn, GA; many nieces, nephews and cousins, especially Bill and Sandy Russell of Mason, MI. He was preceded in death by brother-in-law Michael Walsh of Lilburn, GA.
Tom was a proud Spartan, earning two undergraduate degrees, a Masters and PhD from MSU. He was a devoted math and science teacher for 35 years at DeWitt Public Schools, retiring in 2009. Tom was an avid licensed ham radio operator for 60 years. He enjoyed his summers on the Platte River in Honor, MI, and in retirement, his winters in Mesa, AZ.
Tom's dry wit, steady and kind sensibilities, and devotion to his family and friends endeared him to many. With his family at his side, he fought a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer. He never complained and endured his suffering through a strong faith in God. He was easy to love; a perfect husband, father, brother, teacher, and friend. He was a man of character, and his strength, sense of purpose, and grace will remain lasting reminders of why we will miss him so much.
A visitation will be held on August 2ND from 5:30 pm to 7 pm at St. John Church and Student Center in East Lansing. The memorial mass at St. John will be the following morning, August 3RD, at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. John Church or The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Chapel. Online condolences may be expressed at www.greastlansing.com.
Published in Lansing State Journal on July 30, 2017