Robert Lee Russell, 78, of West Columbia, WV, passed away Monday, July 15, 2024, at Cleveland Clinic, with family by his side.

He was born September 29, 1945, in Mason, WV, a son of the late Lawrence and Beatrice (Young) Russell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Eugene (Fran) Russell, Ronald (Chris) Russell; sisters, Josephine (John) VanMeter, Donna Schwartz, Sue (Roy) Roush, Dorothy Russell, and two grandsons, Kenny Ray Schuster, and Matthew Ohlinger.

Robert was a 1963 graduate of Wahama High School. He was a retired Steelworker from U.S. Steel and served faithfully in the United States Airforce during Vietnam. Robert was a member of the United Steelworkers Union Local 1104, Lorain, OH, American Legion Post 23, Point Pleasant, WV, and a lifetime member of the Stewart Johnson V.F.W. Post 9926, Mason, WV.

Robert attended West Columbia United Methodist Church. He was an avid squirrel hunter and enjoyed feeding them on his porch. Robert also enjoyed fishing in Florida, collecting various tools, coins, baseball cards and listening to old country music.

Most importantly, he always put his family first and was a great husband, father, and papa.

Left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 46 years, Kathy Russell; children, Marshall "Steve" Bland and wife, Luba of Wakeman, OH, Robert Russell Jr. and wife, Holly of Cocoa, FL, Rebecca Ohlinger and husband, Ronnie of Cocoa, FL, Denise Carter and husband, Darren of Cookeville, TN; brother, Joe Russell and wife, Karen of Conway Springs, KS; sister, Patricia Knapp and husband, Dennis of Elyria, OH; brother-in-law, Junior Schwartz; grandchildren, Taylor Bland, Carmen Ohlinger, Maecy Ohlinger, Addison Ohlinger, Dannyce Shuster, Kiersten Shuster, Riley Bland, Michael Clouse, Dylan Fridenstine, Emma Russell, Bo Russell and five great grandchildren.

Service will be 1 p.m., Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Foglesong Funeral Home, Mason, WV, with Pastor Neil Tennant officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Stewart Johnson V.F.W. Post 9926, Mason, WV, American Legion Post 140, New Haven, WV, and the V.F.W. Post 0039, Pomeroy, OH. Friends may visit with the family from 11 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday, at the funeral home.

Following the services at the funeral home, friends are invited to West Columbia United Methodist Church for a meal.

In honor of Robert, if you wish to make a donation, the family requests donations be made to the Mason County Veterans Memorial. Mason County Veterans Memorial C/O Foglesong Funeral Home P.O. Box 367 Mason, WV 25260.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.foglesongfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the care of Foglesong-Casto Funeral Home, Mason, WV.