Lee D Russell

Lee D. Russell of Newcomerstown, passed away Saturday November 29th, after a brief illness. He was born November 23rd 1955 to Daniel W. and R. Mildred (Blamble) Russell of Newcomerstown.

He was a 1974 graduate of Newcomerstown High School and was a junior during the 1972 undefeated season under coach Ward Holdsworth.

In 1976 he started working for the W.M. Brode company as a timekeeper and over his 18-year career he worked his way up to Superintendent in the field.

On September 17th, 1988, Lee married Lynn Davis of West Lafayette.

In 1999, they welcomed their son Daniel.

In 1994, Lee started working with his father-in-law George Davis at River Greens Golf Course as an Assistant Superintendent and became Superintendent in 2005 until his son Daniel took over in 2022. Lee had continued to work alongside his son until he passed. He was a lifetime member of the Golf Course Superintendent's Association of America.

When his son Daniel joined Cub Scouts, Lee became one of the leaders in the program. When Daniel moved into Boy Scouts, Lee became the Scoutmaster of Troop 424 of Newcomerstown up until 3 years ago. He loved the program and along with his wife, spent countless hours taking his troop to Summer Camps, Camporees, winter and summer camping trips, white water adventures and two trips to the National Jamboree in Beckley, WV.

During this time, he also took a trip to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico on a 12-day backpacking trip with his son and a contingent from the Muskingum Valley Council. He was a member of the Order of the Arrows and received his beads on completion of Wood Badge, an adult leadership training program.

Family always came first and gave him much joy. One of Lees favorite things was family vacations, including visiting Lake Powell, Yellowstone, and visiting with family across the country. In recent years he has planned and helped host the annual Russell family reunion, which is something he looked forward to each year.

Most especially he enjoyed spending time with his brothers. Annual "brothers week" trips always included fishing, OSU football, or sometimes both. He, along with his brothers and close nephews attended numerous Ohio State football games every year across the country. Highlights include the 2010 rose bowl, 2007 national championship, 2006 national championship, and his favorite OSU football game, the 2002 national championship.

Lee also enjoyed going to dinner and golfing with his classmates and friends. He was also a lifetime member of the Elks.

In addition to his wife, Lynn, he is also survived by his son, Daniel (Jasmine) Russell; his siblings, Sally Russell, Bill Russell, Steve (Pam) Russell, Jim (Linda) Russell, Paul (Elizabeth) Russell, and Mary Beth Sundquist; sister-in-law, Andi Russell; brother-in-law, Doug (Jamie) Davis; 25 nieces and nephews and all of their families.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Kaye (Leonard) Najmulski; brother, Dan Russell, infant brother, John; and brother-in-law, Kent Sundquist.

A funeral service for Lee will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at the Addy Funeral Home in Newcomerstown. Visitation will be held on Friday December 12th from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home and on Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30, prior to the service.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Lee's honor to the Boy Scouts of America Muskingum Valley Council 734 Moorehead Ave, Zanesville, OH 43701 (https://donations.scouting.org/#/council/467/appeal/8458) or to the Coach Ward Holdsworth Golf Outing Fund, brought or sent to the Addy Funeral Home 406 W. State St. Newcomerstown, OH 43832.