Russell Edwards

Russell Edwards, age 89, of New Philadelphia died Wednesday, May 12, 2010, in Country Club Retirement Campus at Dover.A son of the late Raymond and Edna (Rodd) Edwards, Russell was born at New Philadelphia on January 1, 1921.Russell was a 1939 graduate of New Philadelphia High School and served in the United States Army during World War II where he earned the rank of sergeant prior to his discharge.In 1954 Russell earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh. For twenty-one years, Russell worked at the former Warner & Swasey Co. at New Philadelphia.On May 16, 1969, Russell married the former Jacqueline Maxwell and together the couple reared five children.For many years, Russell was actively involved with The Masonic Lodge at New Philadelphia, The Royal Arch Masons, The Commandry at Gnadenhutten, and the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite at Canton. Additionally, Russell was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans and a Life Member of the Carl C. Stoller Post # 1445 of the New Philadelphia VFW as well as being a member of the Tuscarawas Valley Antique Power Association.In addition to his wife of nearly 41 years, Russell is survived by three daughters, Randi May of New Philadelphia, Shelley Koerber of Midvale and Patricia (Andy) Yoder of Baltic; two sons, Timothy (Barbara) Edwards of New Philadelphia and Michael Edwards of Johnson City, Tennessee.One sister, Mary Jane (Roland) Kohl of Dover, three brothers, Paul (Dorothy) Edwards of Cook, Minnesota, Glenn (Bobbi) Edwards of Houston, Texas, and Richard (Jan) Edwards of Florida; a brother-in-law, Kenneth Weber of New Philadelphia; Ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews complete the family.In addition to his parents, Russell was preceded in death by two sisters and June Weber, Thelma Haines; a brother-in-law, Richard Haines and a brother, Bob Edwards.The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 16, 2010, from 2:00 â?? 4:00 PM with a Masonic Lodge of Sorrow to be held at 3:45 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Pastor Harry Milligan will lead a service celebrating Russell’s life in the funeral home’s chapel on Monday, May 17, 2010 at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow in the East Avenue Cemetery at New Philadelphia with members of the New Philadelphia VFW providing military honors.Those unable to attend may send the family personal condolences by signing the online guest registry located on the funeral home’s website.Memorial contributions in Russell’s name may directed to the New Philadelphia VFW Post #1445, 441 Park Ave NW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.