Russell Alton McNutt

Russell Alton McNutt
MARION -- , 93, died February 1, 2008 after several years of illnesses which he bore with courage, wit and a good humor. Russ was a loving and generous husband to his wife Ann during 36 years together. Russ was born on May 21, 1914 in LaCygne, Kansas and was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Addie (Arnett) McNutt, his brothers, Waldo, Willard and Gerald, and a sister, Ernestine. In addition to his devoted wife, Ann W. McNutt and sister Velma Smart (Jim Smart).
Other survivors include his daughters Ronda Halverson (Dr. Charles Halverson) of Athens, GA, Regina Topp (Col. Peter Topp) of Colorado Springs, CO and Renee Galvan (Danny Galvan) of Los Lunas, NM. Grandchildren are Mark Halverson (Donna), Lynn Halverson Garcia, Dr. David Halverson (Michele), Erik Topp (Ellen), Kristina Topp, Daniel Galvan (fiancee, Angela) and Nicole Galvan. Great Grandchildren are Rachel, Sara Rose, Ian, Zachary Russell, Emily, Patrick and Matthew Halverson, Alex and Audrey Garcia and Nathan Galvan. He also leaves many nieces and nephews and friends around the world. Russ was a graduate of Kansas State University and Brooklyn Polytechnic, NY. He worked on the Manhattan Project and from 1947 to 1958 he was Chief Engineer for Gulf Oil Corporation in Venezuela. From 1958 to 1969 he was on loan to the National Iranian Oil Company in Tehran, Iran where he worked on projects at Kharg Island and the Tehran Oil Refinery. He also worked in Spain and was VP for construction in Reston, VA. Following retirement in 1979, Russ and Ann traveled extensively and were known for their volunteer contributions to many organizations. Russ was dedicated to public service through active and faithful membership of the Marion Rotary Club and the Ashford-North Cove Volunteer Fire Department, Hospice of McDowell County, the Corpening YMCA and the Democratic Party. He was the proud recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine and was a dedicated member of the Catawba Valley Scottish Society and a member of the founding families of Mecklenburg County.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Concord United Methodist Church with Revs. Chester West and George Hutchins officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ashford-North Cove Volunteer Fire Department at 15640 US Highway 221 North, Marion, NC 28752, Hospice of McDowell County at 575 Airport Road, Marion, NC 28752, or to the Corpening YMCA at 1388 Sugar Hill Road, Marion, NC 28752.
Westmoreland Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements. An online register is available under OBITUARIES at www.westmorelandfuneralhome.com.