Obituary for Russell T. Minett
Russell Theron Minett, age 86 went to be with our Lord on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019. He was born October 18, 1932, in Bloomington, IN to the late Charles Leslie and Vena (Spear) Minett. Russ was recovering at the Meadowood Rehab Center after he recently suffered a fall at his home.
Russell lived most of his life in Bloomington, graduating from Bloomington High School in 1950. He was a devoted husband and loving father to his sons and daughter, loving his son-in-law and daughter-in-laws just as much. The most happy and loving Papaw and Poppa respectively to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also served as "Papaw" to many of their friends as well. Russ and Barb enjoyed following their children and grandkids in all their activities. Later in life he and his wife had the opportunity to enjoy their youngest grandchildren, six year old twins Joseph and Michael and a great grandson, Drake, whom Russ called "Bam Bam".
His younger years were spent in Bloomington where he enjoyed much High School success as a two time State Wrestling Champion (1949 and1950) and was on a four time State Championship Wrestling Team and recently selected to be inducted into the Monroe County Sports Hall of Fame. After High School he decided to join the United States Marine Corp, where he served time in Korea and was engaged in battles at the Punch Bowl and Heart Break Ridge. Arriving back in Bloomington, he found the girl of his dreams, of which he was married to for 64 years. He worked and later would be partners in his father-in-laws business Bert's Produce, he took on a second job and one he was very passionate about, that of being the Minister for the Bridge Church of Christ where until a year and half ago he retired after preaching for 47 years. He was inducted into the Indiana Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1982, and he was a member of the American Legion. Russ enjoyed golfing with his sons, son-in-law, brother-in-law Tony and his "Old Buddies." He always enjoyed his "adventures" with his daughter, as they found their way around Indiana but his greatest joy came from his family and preaching God's Word.
Russell leaves behind his three beloved children, son Mark (Robin), daughter Cathy (Jim) Murphy and son Michael (Cindy Jo). He had 11 grandchildren, Lori (Tim) Kritzer, Drew (Laura) Minett, Beth Phelps-Murphy, Aaron Murphy, Steven Minett, Nicholas Minett, Megan (Trent) Chitwood, twins Joseph and Michael Minett, Christopher Shoemaker, Courtney (Colty) Snoddy. Eleven great grandchildren, his older brother Charles (Debora) Minett, brother-in-laws Vincent (Betty) Sansone, Michael (Janet) Sansone and his special "little" sister-in-laws Evelyn (Tony) McMillan, and Augustine (Daniel) Stillions and several nieces, nephews and his church family. Special friends Dr. and Mrs Greg Heumann and family, Melissa Faulkenberg and family, who's encouragement and professional help will always be appreciated. We want to say a special "thank you" to the doctors, nurses and other healthcare staff that assisted with and took care of our father.
Russell was preceded in death by his wife Barbara whom passed away July 8th of last year, parents, one younger brother, Donald Minett, his nephew, Bradley Minett and his brother-in-law Robert Sansone.
Russell's family will receive friends Thursday, Feb. 28th from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Friday, March 1st at 11:00 am until 1:00 p.m., with the Funeral Services which will begin at 1:00 p.m., at the Funeral Chapel of Powell and Deckard, 3000 E. 3rd Street, Bloomington, Indiana. With Ron Adamson and Mike McClary officiating. Burial will follow at the Bridge Cemetery in Unionville.
Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the Bridge Church of Christ, 6110, North Tunnel Road, Unionville, IN 47468.
Russell lived most of his life in Bloomington, graduating from Bloomington High School in 1950. He was a devoted husband and loving father to his sons and daughter, loving his son-in-law and daughter-in-laws just as much. The most happy and loving Papaw and Poppa respectively to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also served as "Papaw" to many of their friends as well. Russ and Barb enjoyed following their children and grandkids in all their activities. Later in life he and his wife had the opportunity to enjoy their youngest grandchildren, six year old twins Joseph and Michael and a great grandson, Drake, whom Russ called "Bam Bam".
His younger years were spent in Bloomington where he enjoyed much High School success as a two time State Wrestling Champion (1949 and1950) and was on a four time State Championship Wrestling Team and recently selected to be inducted into the Monroe County Sports Hall of Fame. After High School he decided to join the United States Marine Corp, where he served time in Korea and was engaged in battles at the Punch Bowl and Heart Break Ridge. Arriving back in Bloomington, he found the girl of his dreams, of which he was married to for 64 years. He worked and later would be partners in his father-in-laws business Bert's Produce, he took on a second job and one he was very passionate about, that of being the Minister for the Bridge Church of Christ where until a year and half ago he retired after preaching for 47 years. He was inducted into the Indiana Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1982, and he was a member of the American Legion. Russ enjoyed golfing with his sons, son-in-law, brother-in-law Tony and his "Old Buddies." He always enjoyed his "adventures" with his daughter, as they found their way around Indiana but his greatest joy came from his family and preaching God's Word.
Russell leaves behind his three beloved children, son Mark (Robin), daughter Cathy (Jim) Murphy and son Michael (Cindy Jo). He had 11 grandchildren, Lori (Tim) Kritzer, Drew (Laura) Minett, Beth Phelps-Murphy, Aaron Murphy, Steven Minett, Nicholas Minett, Megan (Trent) Chitwood, twins Joseph and Michael Minett, Christopher Shoemaker, Courtney (Colty) Snoddy. Eleven great grandchildren, his older brother Charles (Debora) Minett, brother-in-laws Vincent (Betty) Sansone, Michael (Janet) Sansone and his special "little" sister-in-laws Evelyn (Tony) McMillan, and Augustine (Daniel) Stillions and several nieces, nephews and his church family. Special friends Dr. and Mrs Greg Heumann and family, Melissa Faulkenberg and family, who's encouragement and professional help will always be appreciated. We want to say a special "thank you" to the doctors, nurses and other healthcare staff that assisted with and took care of our father.
Russell was preceded in death by his wife Barbara whom passed away July 8th of last year, parents, one younger brother, Donald Minett, his nephew, Bradley Minett and his brother-in-law Robert Sansone.
Russell's family will receive friends Thursday, Feb. 28th from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Friday, March 1st at 11:00 am until 1:00 p.m., with the Funeral Services which will begin at 1:00 p.m., at the Funeral Chapel of Powell and Deckard, 3000 E. 3rd Street, Bloomington, Indiana. With Ron Adamson and Mike McClary officiating. Burial will follow at the Bridge Cemetery in Unionville.
Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the Bridge Church of Christ, 6110, North Tunnel Road, Unionville, IN 47468.