Russell H. "Russ" Hawthorne

Russell H. "Russ" Hawthorne, age 86, of Bellevue died Monday morning, July 20, 2015 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born in Hastings, Michigan on June 1, 1929, the loving son of Charles B. and Mary E. Hawthorne and graduated from Hastings High School. A Purple Heart recipient, Russ faithfully served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Russ worked for many years as a foreman at Clark Equipment Company, and also worked at Edgerton Glass, Barney's Glass and Battle Creek Glass.

Russ married the "Love of His Life", Leota Jane Woods in Angola, Indiana on October 11, 1952; she sadly preceded him in death on July 13, 1997. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Cynthia S. "Cindy" Rolfe on January 22, 2015; his parents, and a brother, Rex Hawthorne. Russ is survived by his children, Teresa (Michael) Staib, Russell (Lisa) Hawthorne, and Charles Hawthorne, all of Battle Creek; 10 grandchildren, Patrick (JoDee) Rolfe, Jennifer (Aaron) Guilfoyle, Michael Rolfe, Russell Rolfe, Michael (Jennifer) Staib, Ryan Staib, Sarah Staib, Braden Hawthorne, Lindsey Hawthorne, and Brittany Hawthorne; 3 great grandchildren, Trevor Guilfoyle, Madison Guilfoyle, and Natalie Rolfe; 2 sisters, Mildred Thompson and Marie Davis; 2 brothers, William (Norma) Hawthorne, Wendell Hawthorne, and a "special friend", Gerry Parker.

A true outdoorsman and "John Deere" man, Russ enjoyed gardening, wine making, hunting, fishing, wood cutting, and operating his sawmill. He loved country music and was a very talented musician, playing all types of instruments, but extensively played the guitar, harmonica and mandolin. He also enjoyed baking, canning, and could fix anything or if couldn't be fixed he would make a new one.

The family will receive friends 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care where funeral services to celebrate Russell's life will be held 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 24, 2015 with Pastor James L. Sparks, officiating. Interment will follow at Bedford Cemetery, In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the American Heart Association or American Kidney Foundation. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.