Russell D. Wickersham, age 84, of Marion, died Friday morning, Aug. 3, at home surrounded by his loving family following a 3 year battle with cancer.
On August 5, 1927, Russ was born in Marion, Ohio, to the late Lewis & Geneva (Cluff) Wickersham. He graduated from Claridon High School in 1946.
He married Mary Ellen Price, his wife of 63 years on Nov. 3, 1948.
Russ was a sulky driver for 5 years for Idle Hour Farms. After that he went into farming and farmed the rest of his life. He also worked for River Valley schools for 38 years as a bus drive and for some time as a custodian. He also was employed at Bank One as a courier.
A man of deep faith, Russ was an active member in his churches as a youth leader, choir member & church council member. He was a member at Marion Salem United Methodist. He also was a member of the United Grange.
Russ had a deep love for his community and felt a responsibility to serve it. He was a Claridon Township Trustee for 20 years, head of the booster club and a timer for the football and basketball games for many years at River Valley. Whenever a neighbor needed a helping hand, you would find Russ around.
To say Russ was ornery and cantankerous would be an understatement. He loved to prod and tease his family and friends, and it was simply his way of showing you how much he cared for you.
He will be missed by his wife, Mary Ellen of Marion; his daughter, Elaine (Bob) Augenstein of Marion; his three grandchildren: Brian Augenstein, Joel (Trisha) Augenstein, and Betsy (John) Allmond; four great grandchildren: Maren Augenstein, Jake and Aliyah Allmond, and Gage Russell Augenstein; a brother, Bill (Ann) Wickersham of Marion; a special niece, Kay Dean; plus many other nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Including his parents, Russ was preceded in death by his sister, Laura (Ruth) Parish.
Russ’ family will greet friends from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. on Monday, August 6, 2012, at the Marion Salem United Methodist Church, 1640 Salem Rd., Caledonia. Services celebrating our ornery friend Russ will follow at 2:30 p.m. Burial will take place at a later date in Claridon Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Marion Salem United Methodist Church, Augenstein’s Scholarship Foundation, and Marion General Hospital Hospice, and they may be sent to the care of the funeral home.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Russ’ family and your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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