Russell E. Gorham

Russell Ernest Gorham, 96, of Battle Creek died peacefully in his sleep with his family at his side, Friday, March 9, 2018, at Glenn Arbor Hospice Residence. He is now in the loving arms of his Lord & Savior.

Russell was born May 21, 1921 in Harlan, Michigan the son of Archie L. and Vera V. (Weller) Gorham. He grew up in Battle Creek and went to Battle Creek Public Schools. Russell retired as Head Machine Operator at the Kellogg Company in 1980, after 34 ½ years. Russ was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, a former member of Church of the Brethren and a member of the Kellogg 25 Year Club.

Russell enjoyed helping people in various ways, was a carpenter and all-around handyman who could fix anything. He was a kind man of noble character. Loyal, honest, a man of integrity who lived his life with great faith always prepared to someday go to heaven. He loved his family and friends, his church and country. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Russell Gorham married Josephine Lucille Standish on May 3, 1942 in Decatur, Indiana by his uncle, the Rev. Russel Weller. At that time, in Indiana, you had to be 21 years old to marry and Russell was a month shy of age 21. He would return to Battle Creek to get a permission note from his parents so he could marry. They decided to wait and marry without a permission slip and include their parents.

Sadly Russell was preceded in death by Josie, his wife of more than 64 years on December 1, 2006. Surviving are his children, Paula J. (Donald) Hocott of Grand Blanc, David R. (Bonnie) Gorham of Battle Creek, Terry R. (Jo) Gorham of Flint and son-in-law Richard Kellogg, husband of deceased daughter Susan K. Kellogg. Russell is preceded in death by all three of his siblings, brothers Royal and Harold and a sister, Wretha Skidmore of Climax. Russell has been blessed with 10 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter plus numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and their families.

Friends will be received 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, March 12th at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. The funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 13th at Calvary Baptist Church, 1625 Capital Avenue N.E., Battle Creek, MI 49017. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Calvary Baptist Church and/or Glenn Arbor Hospice in Battle Creek. Details at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.
A special thanks to Traci, his granddaughter and the many others who provided special care of Russell at NorthPointe Assisted Living and Glenn Arbor Hospice Residence. You know who you are.