Richard "Dick" Michael (Jones) Russ, 77, of Mill Creek, passed away on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at his home, surrounded by his family.

 

Dick was born on October 22, 1944 in Washington D.C., to Melvin H. Russ and Dorothy H. (Rapp) Gaw.

 

On June 1, 2002 in La Porte, he married Sharon Kaye Mills, who survives.  Also surviving are his daughters, Janie Blower of La Porte, Cindy Torgesen of La Porte, and Jessica (Matthew) Smith of Sawyer, MI; many grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; stepdaughters, Beth Mills of Monterey, IN and Gloria (Paul) Eiff of Mechanicville, MD; sister, Patti Jo Watson of Fisher, IN; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Clyde Gaw; and brother-in-law, Bobby Watson.

 

Dick retired, after 30 years, from the Plastics Division at New York Blower.  In his retirement, he become a known La Porte Wal-Mart greeter for 20 years.  Dick was of member of the First Baptist Church of North Liberty.  He was a professional bowler and enjoyed bowling with the Indiana All Stars from 1971-1983.  Dick also enjoyed softball pitching, football, and painting.  He loved music and played the organ, performing at nursing homes.  Dick was a huge Jeff Gordon fan.

 

Dick proudly served in the U.S. Air Force, from 1964 -1968, during the Vietnam Era.  During his time in the Air Force, he earned 6 ribbons.  Later, he proudly served in the Army National Guard, Combat Engineer Company, from 1979 - 1985.

 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 20, 2021, at Cutler Funeral  Home and Cremation Center.  Burial with Military Honors will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery.

 

A time of visitation will be held from 4 - 8 p.m. on Sunday, December 19, 2021 at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday at the funeral home. 

 

Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of North Liberty, 407 W. Elm St., P.O. Box 547, North Liberty, IN, 46554 or Dunes Hospice, 4711 Evans Avenue, Valparaiso, IN, 46383.

 

Condolences may be shared with the family on www.cutlercares.com.