Russell H. Butcher

RUSSELL H. BUTCHER, 76, of New Philadelphia, died unexpectedly Monday morning, December 9, 2002 at Union Hospital Emergency Room. He was born February 17, 1926 at Grafton, WV, the only son to the late Russell K. & Bessie A. Kinter Butcher. Russ graduated from Grafton High School in 1943 and later that year he joined the U. S. Marine Corp and served honorably during World War II. During the Korean War he once again served his country. Russ’ journalism career included working with the Daily Times here. In 1988 he retired from the Canton Repository as copy editor following 20 years service. He was a member of the New Philadelphia Elks’ Lodge No. 510, the New Philadelphia Lions’ Club and was a life-member of the Grafton VFW Post. Russ liked to go fishing, hunting and to garden as well as working with wood. Best of all, he enjoyed being with his family. He is survived by his wife, Mary V. Spiker Butcher, whom he married October 16, 1954; daughter, Linda Mason also of the home; sons, Ronald (Deb) Butcher of Pittman, NJ; Kurt (Susan) Butcher of Geneva, OH and Philip (Sarah) Butcher of Wainwright; sisters, Juanita (Junior) Dadisman of Louisville, OH; Loretta Jones of Grafton and Bonnie J. Miller of Canton; 7 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Calling hours will be Wednesday, December 11, 2002 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home. Additional calling hours will be on Thursday, 7:00 to 9:00 PM in the Ford Funeral Home at Grafton, WV where the funeral will be conducted Friday at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at West Virginia National Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, Ohio Valley Affiliate, P. O. Box 182039 Dept. O13, Columbus, OH 43218-2039.