Jerry C. Russell, Sr.

Jerry Charles Russell Sr., 80, was a loving father, husband, brother, uncle and godfather, went to be with the Lord on October 18, 2013. He was born to William Kewely Russell and Elizabeth Jacobs Russell on March 8, 1933 in Toledo. Jerry's journey took him to many places to touch everyone he encountered in his life. In his early years, he was proud to say he attended Pattengill, Detroit, Michigan and Toledo Public Schools including Lagrange, East Side Central and Lincoln Academy where he graduated in 1948 after being responsible for the flag raising for three years, and being a safety guard in 7th and 8th grade and the Captain of the guards in 8th grade. Jerry went on to attend Macomber Vocational Technical High School in 1949 and graduated in 1952. He majored in Mechanical drafting while playing on the first football team in 1952 on offense and defense as their end. He also played freshman and JV basketball.

In 1952 Jerry enlisted and served in the U.S. Air Force for four years which took him to basic training at Samson AFB, NY, Technical School in Communication at Cheyenne Wyoming, Tripoli Libya, Smokey Hill AFB, Saline Kansas, Upper Hayford AFB in England and Newfoundland.

Once honorably discharged, Jerry returned to Toledo and was employed by Gulf Oil Company as an equipment ordering coordinator and later transferred to the operational department. Jerry then worked for Gallant Lumber Company as an accountant. During his tenure at Gallant Lumber he attended the University of Toledo and majored in accounting. In 1966 Jerry was hired as an accounting clerk for Toledo Public Schools. In 1972 he was appointed to the position of Director of Payroll. During his tenure as Director of Payroll he also served on the Board of Trustees for the Toledo Association of Administrative Personnel, then retiring in 1992. In 1995 Jerry was appointed as the Treasurer at St. John's Jesuit High School where he resigned in 1998 to return to Toledo Public Schools as the Assistant to the Treasurer. Upon returning to Toledo Public Schools he was immediately assigned to negotiations and took on the task of originating the Payroll Direct Deposit Program for Toledo Public Schools, resigning in 2001. While working for TPS Jerry also served on the Board of Directors of the TPS Credit Union while he held the office of Treasurer of the Origination. After a year of retirement he was asked to become the part time Treasurer of St. John's Jesuit High School and retired three years later. Outside of employment, Jerry enjoyed basketball where he officiated for 29 years, football where he officiated for 25 years while serving as the President of the Football Officials Association and coaching baseball at McKinley for his children for 8 years. Jerry was also a member of Bay View Yacht Club, where he was an officer for four years which included the Officer of Commodore, a board member and Board Chairman. He was a member of the American Legion Post 553, VFW Post 606 and of Shawn's Irish Pub golf league where he served as Secretary for several years. Although his journey took him many places, his heart was in Toledo. He loved golfing, bowling and spending time with his family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Ann Sachoma and son, Douglas Russell. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Margaret Russell; children, Sherrie (Buzz) Brown, Jerry Jr. (Kristi), Jerry Ray (Marian), Lisa (Russell) Gilbert, Kevin, Jim (Kellie), Ron (Rhonda) and Mike; 24 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary Lou (Pete) Spanoudis, Carol (Bill) Bean and Linda Walker; and many dear friends.

The family will receive guests on Thursday from 2 – 8:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo (419-381-1900) with a Scripture Service at 7:30 p.m. in the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Friday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick of Heatherdowns Catholic Church, 4201 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo. Burial will be private.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider Hospice of Northwest Ohio or the American Diabetes Association.