Russell Eavenson

Russell Eavenson, 80, of Vermilion, died Sunday, August 3, 2003, in the VA Medical Center Wade Park, Cleveland, Ohio, after a sudden illness. He was born April 19, 1923 in Cleveland, Ohio, and had lived in Vermilion since 1960 moving from Berea. He was a veteran of the U.S Army Air Force and was crew chief on a B-17 during WWII. He was a Silver Star, Purple Heart, and an EAME Theater Ribbon with 6 Bronze Stars recipient. He worked as a residential carpenter and built homes in Lorain and Cuyahoga Counties from 1945 - 1987. He was a member of the Friends of Ritter Library, Ely Masonic Lodge #424, the Scottish Rite, Carpenters Union Local #305, the National Rifle Association, a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 451, Lorain, and a life member of the M.O.C. Vin Gizmo Pup Tent 75, Vermilion. He enjoyed reading, woodworking and collecting antiques, especially books and puzzles. Survivors include sons, Kenneth Eavenson of Elyria, OH and Mark Eavenson of Vermilion, OH; a daughter, Barbara Takacs of Norwalk, OH; brother, Paul Eavenson of Blue Ridge , Georgia sisters, Viola Nassano of Berea, OH and Jean Noss of Florida ; 7 Grandchildren; and 5 Great Grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his wife, Erma, 1996; 3 brothers, Luther, Henry Clay and Harold Eavenson; a granddaughter, Lisa, in 1974 and his parents, Landy L. and Minnie (nee Lane) Eavenson. Friends may call Wednesday, August 6, 2003, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio. Ely Masonic Lodge will conduct Masonic Services at 7 p.m. Services will be held at the Riddle Funeral Home, Thursday, August 7, 2003, at 11 a.m.. The Reverend Louis Bertoni, former pastor of the United Church of Christ Congregational, will officiate. Interment will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery. The Lorain V.F.W. Post 451 will conduct military graveside services. Contributions may be made to the Ritter Public Library Endowment Fund, 5680 Liberty Ave, Vermilion, Ohio 44089.