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1950 - 2016
Russell Dale Sowards, 65 of Willow Wood, finished his course and left this earthly realm entering Heaven’s gates on Thursday, March 31. He was surrounded by his family who had the honor and privilege of reading scripture and singing hymns to him as he joined the Heavenly Choir. The funeral service will be conducted by his Pastor Darrell Fowler and assisted by his young friend Brother Jeremy Simpson on Monday, April 4 at 1pm at Hall Funeral Home and Crematory, Proctorville, Ohio. Burial will follow in Locust Grove Cemetery, Willow Wood, OH. He was greeted in heaven by his Mommy Emogene and Daddy Russell “Barney” Sowards. Russell Dale was born July 31, 1950. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Marilyn, and daughters Angela Lynn (Charles) Baldwin of Willow Wood; and Erin Dale (Keith) Hannah of Rutland, OH. In addition, he is also survived by his grandchildren whom he adored: Lindsay Nichole Baldwin, Brittany Lynn “Groundhog Baby” Baldwin, Colton “Colt” Hannah, Charles Russell “Bert” Baldwin, Shayla Shyann Hannah, Kylie Paige “Squirt” Hannah, his baby Payzlie Lynn “Catbird” Hannah and his special buddy Gizmo. Russell also leaves behind his five younger siblings: Bobby Sowards, Linda Smith, Terry Hyder, Jerry Sowards and Vonda Sargent, as well as a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Being a “Jack of all Trades”, Russell had several careers but especially enjoyed his years spent in carpentry, working for SEOMS, and the US Postal Service. The majority of his life, however, was spent serving the Lord. During the last forty-six years, he has served as deacon at New Zion Church and held too many other positions to name. Russell was a faithful Prayer Warrior and disciple. Often sick himself, Russ spent countless hours visiting the sick and witnessing to the lost in the community. He was a wonderful teacher, counselor, friend, and brother – a true “man of God” who never met a stranger. He had an avid interest in anything outdoors. He dedicated a large portion of his life to his love of hunting. He was a proud member of the National Rifle Association and National Wild Turkey Federation where he participated in Wheeling Sportsman events and volunteered his time assisting with JAKES’ events. Russ was devoted to his church, community, and friends; but especially his family. He was the best husband, Dad, father-in-law, Papaw and brother that there could ever be. He loved his family more than anything in this world and did everything in his power to make sure everyone was happy, healthy, and had everything they needed. He left behind a legacy like no other and assured us he will be waiting for us in Heaven. Friends may call from 11am-1pm Monday April 4, 2016 at Hall Funeral Home and Crematory in Proctorville, Ohio followed by the funeral service at 1 P.M. Burial will follow in Locust Grove Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timeformemory.com/hall.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith – 2 Timothy 4:7
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There are currently 15 condolences.
Tim Jackson
Monday April 4, 2016 at
3:06 PM
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My deepest sympathy to the Sowards family. Spent many an hour at SEOEMS Station 14 with Russ. Lots of long talks and eating. Truly a great man. I will miss him.
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Debra Lawson
Monday April 4, 2016 at
12:58 PM
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My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I know that God will give you the strength and love you need on this journey.
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Rev Jim Dillon
Monday April 4, 2016 at
12:48 PM
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Marlyn & family, God Bless & Comfort you only in the way he can at this time, I thought alot of Russell and will miss him, he was a good Brother in Christ. Sorry I wasn't able to be there today to show my respect for you. Brother Jim
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Dallas &Terri Hamilton
Monday April 4, 2016 at
12:08 AM
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God is gathering all his children. There will be a great reunion when we all arrive home. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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Cheryl Miller
Sunday April 3, 2016 at
11:41 PM
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I will be thinking and saying prayers for all during the weeks to come. But....
Russ no longer has to Imagine.
The wonder and beauty that he has seen.
The peace and love that surrounds him.
The past family that has greeted him in.
He is there and has seen the nail scared hands and feet .
What a celebration for him.
This thought is what I hope will give peace to his loved ones who loved him so dearly.
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Cathy Lucas
Sunday April 3, 2016 at
7:38 PM
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Russell , has shown so much kindness, to everyone that has met him. Marilyn , you and your girls, and their children our in our hearts and prayers.
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Janet (Dillon) Murnahan
Sunday April 3, 2016 at
11:05 AM
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Marilyn and girls. My heart aches for you during this time. Russ was a great man and will be missed by many. Prayers for all of you
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Pam Shultz
Sunday April 3, 2016 at
6:26 AM
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Erin, I am so very sorry to hear about your dad's passing. The obituary about him is beautifully written and describes a loving, hardworking, self-sacrifing, spiritual man. The love you and your family have for him
overflows in your words. My thoughts and
prayers are with you all during this difficult
time.
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Joshua Richards
jrr6196@msn.com
Sunday April 3, 2016 at
12:45 AM
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Erin and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Your father sounds like he was quite a man! May God comfort you at this difficult time with the sound of laughter, love in your hears, beautiful memories, and peace spirits.
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melody
Sunday April 3, 2016 at
12:02 AM
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What a witness !!!
See ya later Russ !
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Gene Payne
Saturday April 2, 2016 at
10:58 PM
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Marilyn,
You are in our thoughts & prayers.
Gene& Joyce
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Bobbie Baldwin Perego
Saturday April 2, 2016 at
8:51 PM
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Dear Marilyn and family was so sorry to here of Russell's passing. We may say goodbye here but we will meet again at the end of this life. May God strengthen and encourage each of you thru the days to follow. Love and Prayers Bobbie
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Charlie and Marilyn (Sargent) Oppenheimer
Saturday April 2, 2016 at
8:31 PM
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Our love, thoughts, and prayers are with you all.
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Joyce Ferguson
joycedrummond122@yahoo.com
Saturday April 2, 2016 at
8:25 PM
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I have known Russell since high school.When I was a fresman @ Symmes Valley I used to get gum from him @ lunch hour. He always had gum to hand out to anyone who asked for it.He was a VERY SWEET man, I use to tease him after I got older.My sister & I would stop & visit he & Marilyn on way to see our brother,Bud, I raided his green onion garden. I will miss him something awful. But, he is out of pain & Happy in Heaven. I know I will see him again. I hope he has chewing gum with him. Marilyn, I will be praying for you & his family during these hurtful times. Please accept my deepest sympathy. prayers from Keith,Sue & Joyce Drummond.
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Donna Wagner
Ddwagner98@gmail.com
Saturday April 2, 2016 at
5:59 PM
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Marilyn ,Erin and Family I am so very sorry for your loss I m so sad for u all ..I love you both.. no more suffering.. Always here for you my dear friends...
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