Mendel Howard Russell, Sr., 79, of Connersville passed away Saturday evening, January 23, 2021 at Reid Health, Richmond.
One of nine children of Elbert and Nellie Lingman Russell, Mendel was born in Connersville on December 5, 1941 and graduated from Connersville High School with the class of 1959.
Following graduation, Mendel served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era as a Firefighter. He also was a plank owner of the U.S.S. Enterprise 65.
Mendel was employed with McQuay-Norris in Connersville for 22 years and Printpack, Inc. in Greensburg for 22 years.
On March 28, 2014, Mendel married the former Mary Yowell in Jellico, Tennessee. Mrs. Russell survives.
Mendel was a faithful member of Grand Avenue United Methodist Church and the American Legion Post #1. In his leisure time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards and riding his motorcycle.
Besides his wife, Mary Russell, survivors include 14 children, Randy (Amy) Russell, Rhonda (Greg) Hornsby, all of Liberty, Mendel Russell, Jr., Sonya McKinney, both of Connersville, Greg (Carla) Russell of Ohio, Scott (Pam) Hudson, Leora (Jeff) Sherwood, Ollie, Jr. (Monica) Hudson, all of Connersville, Rick (Sharon) Hudson of Lynn, Mary Kay Isles (fiancé, Ray Collis) of Connersville, Jessica (Jeffrey) Holley of Ohio, Alexis Russell of Connersville, Shawn McDaniel, and Zach Wright; 32 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Linda (Bruce) Roberts of Straughn, Indiana, and Joyce (John) Samples of North Carolina; and several nieces and nephews.
Mendel was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Rosemary McQueen, Ruth Kirchhoff, Infant Lora Mae Russell; three brothers, Darrell Russell, Marvelle “Hooter” Russell, and Elbert L. “Tater” Russell; a granddaughter, Kaylee Hudson; his first wife, Judy Wilson; and his second wife, Juanita Russell.
Family and friends may call from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. Pastor Gwen Pew will officiate, and military honors will be provided by the Fayette County Veterans Council. Burial will follow in Dale Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.