Elwood "Woody" Russell

Elwood Mitchell "Woody" Russell, 93, of New Philadelphia, Ohio died Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in the loving care of the Community Hospice House in New Philadelphia.

Woody was born on Dec. 21, 1919 in his grandfather's log house in Stillwater, Kentucky. He was the son of the late William Edward and Grace Linkous Russell.

Woody served in World War II and the Korean War attaining the rank of Sergeant Major. During this time, he served in New Guinea, Leyte, Bataan, and Luzon. He married Alice M. Lintz on January 2, 1946 in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Upon his discharge, he owned and operated The Veteran Cab Company. In 1952, he became a letter carrier for the New Philadelphia Post Office. He served as editor of the Ohio VFW newspaper and Chatter and was owner of Woody's Letter and Print Shop until his retirement in 1972.

He was a member of the VFW Post #1445, DAV Post #67, American Legion Post #475, The Tuscarawas County Historical Society, Ohio Historical Society, Mainstreet Association where he volunteered his photography talents. Woody was also a Kentucky Colonel since 1978 and received the Zeisberger-Heckewelder Award in 1998.

Survivors include his son, Douglas (Kathy) Russell of Minerva; daughters, Karen Risher of Bolivar and Jill (John) Martinelli of New Philadelphia; grandchildren, Michael (Petra) Espenschied of Kulmain, Germany, Stephen (Jennifer) Russell, Leslie (Ryan) Roney of New Philadelphia and Joe Martinelli of Canton. In addition, he leaves his great grandchildren Danny, Timo, and Selina Espenschied of Germany, Faith Russell and Adan Roney of New Philadelphia, his brother, Edward (Joanne) Russell and sister, Joyce (Bob) Morgan of Russellville, Kentucky.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Blanche Russell, Maxine Gwinn, Pauline Hughes, Ruth King, and Lois Wilkins and a great grandson, Gabriel Russell.

Friends and family are invited to attend Woody's military honors on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013 beginning at 10:30am by the New Philadelphia VFW at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in New Philadelphia. Cremation has taken place and inurnment will be held at a later date in the Red Oak Methodist Church Cemetery in Russellville, Kentucky. Those unable to attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of Woody may sign the online guestbook by visiting the "obituaries and flowers" link on the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com

Contributions in Woody's name may be made to the Community Hospice House, 716 Commercial Ave. S.W., New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663