Ernest Elmer Russell

Ernest Elmer Russell, 87, son of the late Mary Holcomb and Elmer E. Russell, died on Thursday, September 8, 2011 in Bolivar, Missouri. He was born in West Haven, CT July 20, 1924, graduated from Guilford (CT) High School in 1942 and Renesselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1951 after serving as a flight instructor in the U.S. Navy Air Corps during WWII. Mr. Russell is survived by his wife of 65 years, Grace Bishop Russell and daughters, G. Louise (Duncan) Meadows of Bolivar, MO, and Martha (Gerald) Zalewski of Enfield, CT and son Douglas (Shellie) Russell of Monroe, NC. A son, Michael Russell, predeceased him in 1973. Also surviving are grandchildren, Julia (James) Jones, Dr. Daniel (Jodi) Meadows, Robin and Stephanie Zalewski, Michael (Susan) Russell and step-granddaughter, Holly (Erik) Schlosser; 12 great-grandchildren; his sister Betsy Bird of Wilmington, NC; brothers Elmer (Vi) Russell of Guilford, CT and Clarence (Betty) Russell of Essex, VT; brothers-in-law Albert (Barbara) Bishop of Guilford, CT and Harold (Colleen) Bishop of Woodstock, CT along with numerous nieces and nephews. Ernie worked for Corning Glass Works from 1951 until his retirement in 1987. He began as an equipment engineer eventually becoming the manager of the Corning Refractories Plant. He greatly enjoyed the challenges of his job and the people with whom he worked. Ernie worked with the Boy Scout Troop 36 in South Corning for many years after serving the troops in Gibson and Corning. He was also instrumental in Cub Scout Pack 36 in South Corning. He taught Sunday school and served on the Church Board at the First Methodist Church and was a long-time Trustee of the First Congregational United Church both in Corning. He was involved in building the Misty Hollow Girl Scout Camp and worked extensively at the Boy Scout Camp Gorton on Wannetta Lake. The Russells also participated in disaster relief efforts following a tornado in Ohio and a hurricane in North Carolina. Having served as a Treasurer of the American Field Service for many years, the Russells hosted a year-long student from Finland and many Experiment in International Living students and foreign teachers from the American Host program. Mr. Russell also facilitated installation of the electrical systems for 10 Habitat for Humanity houses. He was a volunteer for the local Hospice organizations having worked with many patients and families. For over 10 years he served as a Tax Counselor for the IRS/AARP group in Steuben County and was very active with the Friends of the Southeast Steuben Library book sale. He received the Errol Shand award in 1992 for all of his previous volunteer activities, the Silver Beaver award from the Boy Scouts of America and other honors from organizations served. Mr. Russell was a member of the First Congregational U.C.C. Memorial services will be held in Guilford, CT for the family & friends at a later date. Burial will take place in the Alderbrook Cemetery, Guilford, CT. in the Bishop family plot. Flowers will be provided by the family while memorial donations may be given to the Corning First Congregational UCC Church, (Pulteney St., Corning, NY 14830) the Friends of the Southeast Steuben Library, (P.O. Box 444, Corning, NY 14830) or to the Southern Tier Hospice and Palliative Care (11751 East Corning Road, Corning, NY 14830) Friends and family may sign the guestbook or leave private condolences at www.butlerfuneralhome.com PDF Printable Version

Ernest Elmer Russell

July 20, 1924 - September 8, 2011