Russell J. VanVorst

Russell J. VanVorst Eaton Rapids Age 78, passed away in Charlotte, December 4, 2010. He was born in Colon, MI April 11, 1932, the son of Clyde and Marie (Hackett) VanVorst. Russell graduated from Colon High School in 1950. He was a Korean War veteran serving in the United States Army. He retired from the State of Michigan in 1985. Russell was a member of the VFW, American Legion, AmVets, all color tractor club and the two cylinder club. He loved making new inventions. One of those inventions was a chicken catcher. Russell also enjoyed farming, traveling, wintering in Harlingen, TX., and restoring antique John Deere tractors. Russell is survived by his daughters, Karry (Douglas) Trickey of Eaton Rapids, Kelly Haughton of Bakersfield, CA; 1st wife, Gertrude VanVorst of Onondaga; 3rd wife, Myra Jeanie Fancher of Eaton Rapids; granddaughter Jenelle Trickey of Eaton Rapids; brother, Clyde VanVorst of Colon; sisters, Marjorie (William) Geiger of Coldwater, Phyllis Brown of Genison; sister-in-law, Mary VanVorst of Colon. He was preceded in death by his parents; 2nd wife, Dorothy (Lipsett) VanVorst; brother, Leslie VanVorst; sister-in-law, Esther VanVorst and 2 nephews. Funeral services will be 11a.m. Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at the 1st Lutheran Church, 550 E. Shepherd St. Charlotte, MI 48813, with Pastor Timothy Olsen officiating. Visitation will be at the Shelly-Odell Funeral Home, 518 S. Main St. Eaton Rapids, Tuesday 6-8p.m. and Wednesday, one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Hospice, 2675 S. Cochran Charlotte, MI 48813. Online condolences may be sent to www.shellyodell.com