Russell Eugene Gardner

Russell Eugene Gardner, age 81, of Massillon formerly of Tippecanoe died at 10:35 a.m., Thursday, December 16, 2021 in Altercare of Navarre Nursing Home following a brief illness.

He was born November 15, 1940 in rural Tippecanoe to the late Sherman Oscar Gardner and Pauline Mae Hines Gardner.

Russell was a 1958 graduate of Freeport High School and obtained a Bachelor's Degree in General Studies and a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Kent State University. He served in the United States Army from October 9, 1963 to October 8, 1965 during Peacetime and the Vietnam Era. He received an honorable discharge from the United States Army Reserves on September 30, 1969.

He worked for various companies including Scio Pottery, Case Farms, Timken, and ODOT. He was an avid game hunter for large and small game all over the United States and enjoyed fishing. He also enjoyed living at The Inn at University Village in Massillon where he had many friends that he loved.

Surviving are two daughters, Pamela (Randy) Arras of Massillon and Kimberly Wood of  Bolivar; five grandchildren: Sasha Poole, Joelle Oliver, Ryan Oliver, NaChrista Price, and Nick Wood; three great-grandchildren: River Poole, Canyon Poole, and Zenray Price; two sisters: Edna (Jonas) Troyer of Millersburg and Delma (Stan) Wallace of Bolivar; and a brother, Charlie (Linda) Gardner of Tippecanoe.

Russell was preceded in death by brother, Jesse Gardner and a sister, Faye Smith.

A funeral service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Monday, December 20, 2021 in Koch Funeral Home, 216 S High Street, Freeport with Guest Speaker Bobby Smith officiating. Visitation will follow the service from 7 to 9 p.m.

Military Services by the Newcomerstown Veterans Honor Guard and burial will take place Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. in Mount Carmel Cemetery, Mount Carmel Road, Tippecanoe, Township Road 153, Tuscarawas County, Ohio 44699.

Koch Funeral Home, 216 S High Street, Freeport was entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made on their website at www.kochfuneralhome.net