Russell Arthur "Russ" Zaharion

Russell Arthur "Russ" Zaharion, 89 of Battle Creek died with his family at his side, at Glenn Arbor Hospice Residence on Friday, January 5, 2018.

Russ was born August 30, 1928 in Battle Creek, Michigan, the son of Thomas and Angela (Englebritzen) Zaharion. Russ grew up in Battle Creek and graduated from Battle Creek Central High School, earned an Associate Degree from Cleary Business College in Ypsilanti and attended Western Michigan University. Russ honorably served his country in the U.S. Army with the occupation forces in Japan. He was employed as a cost accountant for the former Oliver Farm Equipment Company. Russ owned and operated Northside Bar on McCamly St. from 1956 to 1963. Russ built and operated Zahara Restaurant at 1349 E. Columbia Avenue, opening Dec. 6, 1963, until he sold in 1979. After that, he helped his sons start up their businesses in Florida and Michigan. Russ still found the time to farm, raising beef cattle and supplying hay for Binder Park Zoo. He was also a contractor for Pioneer Seed, detasseling corn for 10 years. Russ never completely retired, even this past summer he was still bailing hay.

Russell A. Zaharion was united in marriage to the former Melva Jane Webster on September 3, 1950 at First Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek. Surviving are Melva, his wife of 67 years; three sons, Thomas (Diane) Zaharion of Marshall, Russell (Rebecca) Zaharion of Stuart, FL, John (Renee) Zaharion of Burlington; a daughter, Angela (Mike) Russell of Battle Creek; 11 grandchildren, Amy, Katie, Melissa, Megan, Kelly, Andrea, Bryan, Nick, Taylor, Sarah, Paige; and six+ great-grandchildren, Zack, Nick, Emma, Connor, Ellie, Evalyn and one on the way. Russ was preceded in death by his parents.

Russ was a member of First Presbyterian Church and American Legion Post #54. He enjoyed farming, gardening and fishing at his cottage at Wall Lake. He loved family gatherings and spending time with them. He will be remembered as a man who entertained his family and friends with his amazing story telling ability. He stressed the importance of hard work and education to young people by his example and in his stories. Russ was a member of Scout Troop #33 at Post Elementary and helped all three of his sons earn the rank of Eagle Scout. He was a man who loved his family and was very proud of them.

Friends will be received 5:00 -7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Memorial services will be officiated by Rev. Pat Weatherwax at First Presbyterian Church 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 10, 2018. A family committal service will be held at Hickory Corners Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 111 Capital Avenue N.E., Battle Creek, MI 49017 or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, 222 N Kalamazoo Mall #100, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Personal messages for the family may be placed here (above) at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.