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- Obit: Hornell Evening Leader, Hornell, NY
CANISTEO - Joel B. Russell, 78, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle, went to be with his Lord on Friday (June 24, 2005). He was born on April 23, 1927 to Harold H. and Kathlyn (Harris) Russell. On May 1, 1948 he wed his true love, Eleanor VanSkiver. After 58 years, death has parted them, as their original vows said. Brothers Richard, Tom and Jack Russell and nephews Bruce Russell and Terry Houghtaling predeceased him.
Joel served in Germany with the U.S. Army during the German occupation. Upon returning to the states and his release from service, he returned to work with the Erie (later Erie/Lackawanna) Railroad. He worked as a switchman and brakeman for more than 20 years. He then worked for A.C.E.S. at Alfred State College as maintenance supervisor and bus driver. Joel won and lost a fortune in quarters playing cribbage with his friends and family.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Canisteo, a past master of Morning Star Lodge 65, F&AM, and member of the Jasper Order of the Eastern Star. He was also a member of the Canisteo American Legion Post 846.
Joel is survived by his wonderful wife, Eleanor, and their four children, Charlotte (Dean R.) Stuart of Addison, Carolyn (D. Michael) Wallace of Canisteo, Cindy Vance and Dick (Kathy) Russell of Hornell. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, all of whom he was especially proud.
Also surviving are brothers Bob (Joan) Russell, Shirley (Phyllis) Russell and Frank (Deanna) Russell, and sisters Bonnie (Malcolm) MacNaughton, Mary Jane (Jim) Houghtaling and Karleen (Roger) House, and several nieces and nephews.
Per his request there will be no calling hours. A Masonic funeral service will take place at 5:45 p.m. Friday, July 1, followed by a memorial service in celebration of his life at 6 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Canisteo, with the Rev. John Harris presiding.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Canisteo First Baptist Church memorial fund or Faith in Action GHA
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