Fred Russell

Frederick Russell of Lawton, age 82, died on February 3, 2023. Fred was born November 29, 1940 in Paw Paw to James and Grace (Maydwell) Russell. After serving in the U.S. Army, Fred returned home and began a career with GTE Corporation. He started working on the lines as a young man and eventually became a switchman working with the new technology of fiber optics. He married his sweetheart, Sharon Brown, and together they raised 3 children. He built 3 homes for his growing family, each was on a lake where Fred enjoyed spending his free time fishing for bluegills and they made many friends amongst their neighbors. He never met a stranger and, with his heart of gold, he’d gladly do anything for anyone in need. Fred was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Fran Heydeck, Genevieve Sousley, Philip Russell, Robert Russell, Ralph Russell, and James Russell Jr. Surviving are his wife, Sharon; children: Scott (Kim) Russell, Sue (Jerry) Solis, and Stacy Russell; grand-children: Justin (Kendra), Brittany (Kyle), Josiah, Gabriel (Jessica), Jesse, Timothy, Serena, Lily, Michael, Rudy, Sophia, Lylah, Breslin, and Taevien; great-grandchildren: Declan, Dimitri, Anya, Riley, and Connor; siblings: Mary (Howard) Mack, Betty West, and John (Teri) Russell; and many nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. Services will be held Saturday, March 18th at 1 PM at Destiny Church, 58385 Kerr Creek Rd, Three Rivers. Visit Fred’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos, and sign his guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to Centrica Care Navigators. Betzler & Thompson Life Story Funeral Homes, 60900 M40, Paw Paw (269) 657-3870.