Russell Love

Russell Love, “Russ” to his friends, was born in the southern Indiana town of Paoli in 1937. He grew up in a small house on Gospel Street with his father Louis, his mother Elta and his siblings Norman, Helen, Gene and Marvin. He was raised in this small Orange County town during the depression and through World War II. His childhood helped shape his work ethic and his penchant for saving everything. Russ graduated from Paoli High School in 1955, and in 1959 he married his sweetheart Shirley A. Taylor from the neighboring town of French Lick. Russ and Shirley moved to Indianapolis after their marriage where they began their family. They were blessed with three sons, Russell T., Michael and Matthew. After living in Indianapolis for a time, the family moved to Carmel, Indiana in 1973. At age 28, Russ took a position with Henry C. Smither Roofing Company in Indianapolis. He worked there until his retirement in 2004, serving in many roles, including company president. He formed many lasting and meaningful friendships with clients, coworkers and colleagues in the roofing and construction industries. These friendships were treasured by Russ. Russ was a member of Hazel Dell Christian Church in Carmel, Indiana and his faith in Christ was central to his life and world view. He served as youth sponsor, committee member, deacon and elder at Woodland Springs Christian Church (now Hazel Dell). He had an abiding faith, was quietly generous with the blessings God entrusted to him, and lived as a humble servant of his Lord Jesus Christ. Many of his dearest friendships were with his church family. After retirement, Russ and Shirley divided their time between their home in Carmel and their beloved family farm near French Lick, Indiana. Russ loved working atop his John Deere tractor, tending the land on the farm, tinkering, spotting wildlife, and planning for family weekends. He loved to tell stories to his grandchilden, talk to strangers, and share his brand of Orange County wisdom, derived from the school of hard knocks. Russ and Shirley’s family grew to include seven grandchildren: Katie, Harrison, Emma, Henry, Sam, Hannah and Haley. He also loved his daughters-in-law Michelle (wife of Russ) and Tammy (wife of Michael). Family gatherings at the farm were such a blessing to Russ, always eagerly anticipating them and enjoying precious moments with his grandchildren. His Thanksgiving prayers will be deeply missed. Russ died after a tragic accident on the farm lead to severe injuries. Heroic efforts to prolong his life here on earth were unsuccessful and he went peacefully to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 24, surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. Following Russ’ specific request his body will be cremated and his ashes spread over the Orange County farm fields that he loved. Russ did not want a traditional funeral, and his family is honoring that request. No services are planned, but the family would certainly welcome your fond memories of Russ.

Russell Love

November 26, 2010