Robert Bailey “Bob” Russell
Robert Bailey “Bob” Russell, 89, formerly of Elimsport, PA, earned his Victory Day on Thursday, June 25, 2015 in the Valley View Nursing Center at Montoursville, PA. Born in Washington Twp., Lycoming County, PA, on Sunday, February 28, 1926, he was the son of the late James Brady and Meriam “Midge” Bailey Russell. Bob was the husband of Jane A. (Hall) Russell with whom he celebrated a 70th wedding anniversary on June 16, 2015. Bob was a 1943 graduate of Montgomery-Clinton High School.
Bob was an entrepreneur. He was the former owner of Watsontown Trucking Co. and of Elimsport Contracting, Inc. Bob was also the owner operator of Russell’s Road Service. He was previously employed by Hall’s Motor Transit and earlier in life had a meat stand at the Williamsport Grower’s Market. He had also been president of White Deer Warehousing and Distribution.
He was a member of the Elimsport United Methodist Church where he was a former member of the church choir. Bob was a member of Watsontown F. & A.M. Lodge #401 and the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Williamsport. He was a former member and past president of the West Branch Barbershop Chorus where he was named Barbershopper of the year in 1999. He was a collector and enthusiast of antique Farmall tractors and was a member of the Red Power International Tractor Club. Bob collected antique horse drawn vehicles and raised Morgan and Belgium horses and attended numerous driving shows. As a youth, Bob was active in 4-H and raised several grand champion steers. Later in life he enjoyed gardening. Bob had served several times as chairman of the Muncy Valley Hospital Lawn Party. The Russell Rehab unit at Valley View Nursing Center was named in his honor. He and his wife donated the elevators at both the Elimsport United Methodist and Montgomery Clinton Baptist Churches and also donated a garden tractor and accessories to The Meadows, Susquehanna Health. He was a member of the Diesel advisory board of the Williamsport Community College, now Pennsylvania College of Technology.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, Dr. John and wife Carol Russell, St. Louis, MO; JoAnn and husband Massimo Fremiotti, Tunkhannock, PA; one daughter-in-law, Cathy Newhard Russell, Morgantown, WV; seven grandchildren, Cari (Aaron) Williams, McMurray, PA; Brady (Casie Walters) Russell, Elkins, WV; Charlie (Jill) Russell, Morgantown, WV; Michael (Sofia) Russell, Superior, CO; Matthew (Theresa Schlafly) Russell, Washington, DC; Andrea (Jeanee Ledoux) Fremiotti, Atlanta, GA; GianLuca Fremiotti, Scranton, PA; six great-grandchildren, Dylan, Gabriel and Alana Russell, Superior, CO; Louisa Russell, Washington, DC; Caitlyn and Robert Williams, McMurray, PA. Bob was preceded in death by his son, Dr. Richard Russell and two sisters, Margaret Snoddy and Martha Jane Ronemus.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at the Elimsport United Methodist Church, 16145 State Route 44 Highway, Elimsport, PA at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 30, 2015 with Michael Hill, his pastor, officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Elimsport United Methodist Church, 433 Gap Road, Allenwood, PA 17810, or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements are being handled by the Galen R. Betzer Funeral Service, 40 E. Houston Avenue, Montgomery, PA. Please visit www.betzerfuneral.com to sign the guest book or send an e-condolence.