Russell W. Vawter's Obituary
Woodville - Russell W. Vawter, 79, of Woodville, passed away Tuesday July 31, 2018, at his residence.
He was born July 11, 1939, in Wyoming, MI, the son of Carl and Harriet (Austin) Vawter. After high school, Russell served in the U.S. Air Force for four years. Following his discharge, he returned to the Grand Rapids area, and worked as a driver for Greyhound Bus Co. for 25 years.
On August 26, 1978, Russell married Virginia Rose (nee Warner). In 1984, the couple built the Woodville Country Store, which they operated for a number of years. Russell was active with other projects in his "retirement" years, and was also an avid hunter and fisherman.
Surviving are his wife Virginia "Jenny"; his children Nick (Noemi) of Woodville, Karen DeJonge of Florida, Wayne (Madeline Shefke) of Fremont, Roy (Anne) of Byron Center, Larry (Gemma) of Sparta; his step-children Del Robinson, Jerri (Tom) McCarthy, and Pauline (Mike) Fuller; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a step-daughter Sue Ann Humphrey.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 3, 2018, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Pastor Pete Alley officiating. Burial will follow in the Woodville Cemetery. Russell's family will greet friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., and prior to services on Friday. Memorial contributions in his name may be made for Heartland hospice, with envelopes available at the funeral home.
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