Russell Willoughby

Russell Willoughby (81) of Willard, died at 12:58 P.M. Friday, October 28, 2011 at Fisher-Titus Medical Center, Norwalk. He was born October 28, 1930 in Willard to the late Russell and Jessie (Fink) Willoughby Sr. Russ was a graduate of Willard High School, Class of 1948, and attended Otterbein College until enlisting in the United States Air Force. He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, Rotary Club, Willard American Legion, Willard High School Centennial Scholarship Fund, WHS Athletic Hall of Fame selection committee, and was a co-founder of the R.O.M.E.O. Club.

Russ grew up on the family farm in Richmond Township and attended Richmond School. He was active in the Richmond E.U.B. Church and especially enjoyed the traditional ice cream socials. In high school he played basketball and was a pitcher for the baseball team.

He served in the Air Force from 1950 to 1954. During that time he was a Radio Operator on a B-25 in the Korean War. During his enlistment he represented his military base playing baseball and at one time pitched against baseball legend Hank Aaron.

Upon returning home he was employed by Pioneer Rubber Company. While working for Pioneer, he obtained his insurance license and started the Russell Willoughby Insurance Agency. He also worked as a real estate agent for Century 21 into his retirement years.

Russ had a lifelong enjoyment of all sports. He especially enjoyed supporting his children and grandchildren as they participated in high school and intercollegiate sports.

Russ often expressed his love for his friends and family.

Russ is survived by his Wife: Joan (Jacobs) Willoughby whom he married August 8, 1954. 3 sons: Richard Willoughby of Willard, Keith Russell (Kim) Willoughby of Columbus, and John (Julie) Willoughby of Sidney. 2 daughters: Susan (Dale) Gray of Jackson, MI and Janet Dials of Willard. 14 grandchildren: Jeremy (Jen), Brian (Casey), Jeffrey, Tenley, Tim, Jessica (Jeremy), Nick (Kathryn), Julie (Jon), Miranda, Seth Russell, Jaclyn, Bobby, Taylor, and Dylan. Great grandchildren: Dominick Russell, Audrey, Bailey, Michael, Brison, Brendan, Bladyn, and Brody. 1 brother: Weldon (Janet) Willoughby of Dublin. He was preceded in death by his parents and twin daughters: Marianne and Julianne.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at the Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Roger Thompson officiating. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery, New Haven. Friends may call Monday 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at the Lindsey-Kocher Funeral Service, 323 Myrtle Ave., Willard. Memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church Endowment Fund or the Willard High School Centennial Fund through the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.Lindseykocher.com.