In Memory of

William Edward Russell

William Edward Russell, at the age of 94, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 23, 2026. Born on October 3rd of 1931 to Albert and Emma (Dolly Sluss) Russell in Canton, Ohio, he was preceded in death by his wife of seventy years, Karen (Kay) McArtor. They had married shortly after his honorable discharge from the armed forces as a Korean War veteran, where he served as a SCARWAF (Special Category Army Reassigned with Air Force

Craving to understand the Bible, the newlyweds enrolled in Milwaukee Bible Institute, which became Grace Christian University and later Grace Bible College when it relocated to Grand Rapids, Michigan.

During a women’s meeting, President Baker’s wife noticed the new home Russell had built in Cutlerville, Michigan. He had been building homes since his high school graduation with his father who had taught him the carpentry trade. Mrs. Baker recommended Russell to fill the position of mission builder in Ponce, Puerto Rico, where he built a college dormitory and a radio station, for the purpose of proclaiming the gospel throughout the island. After returning to the states, he began the Russell Construction Company. He taught Sunday Schools and Bible Studies, which led to the start of Ohio Grace Youth Camp and the Berean Bible Church of Minerva, Ohio. He continued to serve in churches of Alabama and Michigan where he was a Pastor from 1975-1996. He most recently belonged to Robinson Grace Church in Grand Haven, Michigan, where his first-born son pastors.

After retirement, he created fine furniture, cabinets, hutches, dressers, night stands, clocks, cradles and bread boxes. When he put his hammer down, he picked up a latch hook and began making pillows, rugs, and wall hangings for family members. In 2015, he and his wife were inducted into the Minerva High School Alumni Hall of Fame, for bringing honor and distinction to the school. Two of Bill’s favorite activities throughout his life were baseball and basketball. In his final years, he enjoyed working sudokus and word searches and continued reading books-- especially His Bible. He was faithful in prayer for family and friends and any needs brought to his attention. His witty humor became a constant for his family and they adored the smile that went with it.

Others who preceded him in death were his parents and four siblings: Jean (Leonard) Walmsley (Carl) Harrison, Alice (Myrl) Short, Glen Albert, and Josephine (Roy) Kelsey.

He is survived by his brother, George Dewey Russell of Seattle, Washington. His surviving children include three daughters, Cindy Lippincott of Hudsonville, Michigan, who has been his caregiver, Kimberly (Troy) Haynam of Alliance, Ohio, and Lisa (Harold) Kimbel of Zeeland, Michigan. His three surviving sons are Pastor William G. Russell (Tricia) of Allendale, Michigan. Terry (Jodie Marie) Russell of Wayland, Michigan, and Pastor Jody (Sue) Russell of Cadillac, Michigan. Bill has nineteen surviving grandchildren: Chad Lippincott, Trisha LaCoste, Nathan (Sunni) Lippincott, Amy (Ben) Jones, Trevor (Katie) Lippincott, Estania (Michael) Keran, Titus Lippincott, Kyle (Laura) Haynam, Kendra (Stephen) Bertsch, Matthew (Morgan) Haynam, Melissa Russell, Shadrach Russell, Caleb (Kourtney) Kimbel, Ashley Kimbel, Cody Russell, Makayla Russell, Mackenzie Russell, Carter Russell, and McKenna Russell. He prayed for twenty-one, soon-to-be twenty-two, great-grandchildren and was blessed to have one great-great grandchild as well.

Calling hours will be held at the church that he founded, the Berean Bible Church, now located at 4446 Meese Rd. N.E., Louisville, Ohio, on Saturday, May 2nd from 11 A.M.-1 P.M. Funeral follows at 1:00 P.M. Military honors will be held at the graveside service after the funeral in Moultrie Chapel Cemetery. Those wishing to send condolences may sign the online register at www.gotschallfuneralhome.com.