Russell Dean Willingham, 76, of Kingsley, passed away on Mon, January 26, 2015, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on February 17, 1938, in Shelbina, MO, the son of the late Bart and Lynette Willingham.
Russ graduated from Shelbina High School in 1956 and joined the U.S. Navy, where he served for six years.
He was an over the road truck driver for Michigan Milk Producers, Cherry Growers Inc., Burke Energy and Mikowski and Son until his retirement.
Russ was a member of Kingsley United Methodist Church, member of King’s Men, the Kingsley Chamber of Commerce and the Kingsley Lion’s Club. He was a past member of the American Legion of Kingsley and a member of the Michigan Area Blacksmith Association. He stamped shingles at the foundry at the Buckley Old Engine Show, worked with Habitat for Humanity and was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader.
Russ married Joan (Newmarch), his “mail order bride” on August 19, 1959, at the Kingsley United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Joan; children, Barton (Lisa) Willingham, Melinda (Steve Smith) Stone-Willingham, and Jeffrey (Tina) Willingham; grandchildren, Christopher (Tara) Stone, Andrew (Leanna) Stone, Breanna (Cody) Willingham, Danielle Willingham, and Zachary Willingham; great grandchildren, Lillian, Evalynn, Gwendalynn and Madalynn; and father in law Harold Newmarch.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bart and Lynette, an infant brother and sister, mother in law, Mary Newmarch; son in law Jeff Stone; one finger and a thumb.
A memorial service will be held at 1pm on Sat, February 21, 2015, at Kingsley United Methodist Church.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home and Cremation services.
Traverse City Record Eagle – 30 Jan 2015
