Russell Phelps

Russell H. Phelps, 105, stepped into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on February 25, 2023. He was pre-deceased by his first wife of 76 years Jane W. Phelps and his brother Richard Phelps. He is survived by his loving wife of 4 years Muriel Phelps; his son James and Sharon Phelps of Liverpool; his daughter Deborah Phelps of Binghamton; daughter-in-law Patricia Geres; granddaughter Kimberly and Keith Wiebe, their children David and Danelle; granddaughter Nanette and Mark Fitch, their children Lauryn and Mikayla; sister-in-law Nila Rae Phelps; stepchildren Paula and Ron Phelps, Wayne and Marianne Doolittle, Timothy and Gloria Doolittle; nieces and nephews and other extended family and friends, including a special, caring friend Joel Johnson. Russell graduated from Binghamton Central High School and Wheaton College, where he majored in business administration. He served in the army and was a member of Rotary Club for over 70 years. He was an active lifelong member of Park Avenue Baptist Church. He faithfully served in many leadership and service roles including Deacon and Trustee. He was a member of the church orchestra and particularly enjoyed playing saxophone duets with his brother Dick. He was teacher of the Men's Bible class for over 5 decades until his "retirement" at age 99. Clarks Summit University of Pennsylvania, formerly Baptist Bible College, held a very special place in Russell's heart. He was the longest serving Trustee (60+ years) and served as volunteer treasurer for nearly 30 years. His years of service were honored with the President's award of distinction in 1995, the naming of the Phelps Student Center in his honor in 2001 and with an honorary Doctorate in 2021. Russell Phelps was a faithful prayer warrior whose faith in Jesus Christ was evident to all who knew him. His greatest joy was that his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren loved and served the Lord. A Memorial Service will be held at Park Avenue Baptist Church (1135 Vestal Ave, Binghamton, NY) on Tuesday, March 14 at 2 pm. The family will receive friends from 12 pm until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to Clarks Summit University (538 Venard Road, Clarks Summit, PA 18411) or Park Avenue Baptist Church in his memory.