Russell H. DeVore Jr.

Russell H. DeVore, Jr., 80, formerly of Crestline, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Galion Meadows Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation. Russell was born in Galion on August 17, 1944, to the late Russell and Wanda (Wolf) DeVore, Sr. He married Ruth (Bauer) DeVore on September 5, 1965, and she preceded him in death on January 4, 2014. Russell spent his life as a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and proud Navy veteran. He was well-known for his exceptional skills as a woodworker, creating remarkable pieces upon request and infusing his work with heartfelt attention to detail. Russell graduated from Madison High School, Class of 1962 and subsequently served proudly in the United States Navy. After his military service, he built a fulfilling career at PPG Industries, Inc., retiring in 2006, after forty years of service. Russell's passion for gardening was evident in almost every Ohio native tree that graced his property, a testament to his deep love for the environment. He cherished spending time with fellow PPG retirees at their weekly breakfast group at Hunger Paynes, sharing stories and laughter that brought warmth to his heart. A true man of faith, Russell was a member of the Calvary United Church of Christ in Crestline, where he contributed to the community through his faith and service. Russell is survived by his beloved daughter, Julie Sloan of Crestline, four grandchildren, Olivia, Levi, Nate and Emily, two great-grandchildren, Gabriel and Eloise, his son-in-law, Todd (Sarah) Whitmer of Litchfield, brother-in-law, Richard Bauer, as well as his sister Barbara (Bob) Denniman of Mansfield, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and spouse, Russell was preceded in death by his daughter, Arlene Whitmer, son-in-law, Tony Sloan, brother-in-law Eldon Bauer, and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Paul and Doris (Minich) Bauer. Friends may call on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, from 10:00 AM until the time of funeral service at 12:00 PM at Gompf Funeral Service, Crestline Chapel, 223 West Main St., Crestline. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery, Crestline. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to donate a tree, reflecting Russell's love for nature and the environment. Details on how to contribute can be found on the designated website. Those wishing to share a memory of Russell or send condolences to the DeVore, Jr. family, may do so by visiting www.masfh.com. The Gompf Funeral Service, Crestline Chapel, 223 W. Main Street, Crestline is honored to serve the family of Russell H. DeVore, Jr. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Russell H. DeVore, Jr., please visit our floral store.