Robert C. Russell Age 84, of East Sparta, passed away Monday evening, Dec. 26, 2011, in Aultman Hospital. He was born in East Sparta, a son of the late Allen and Ruth (Baum) Russell, and was a life resident. Bob was the retired owner-operator of his own semi-tractor trailer and drove for R.E. Slutz Trucking, JMW Trucking, and Sparta Steel. Before he had his own truck he began driving for Ralph Abel & Son in Mineral City. Bob was a big fan of Ohio State basketball, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Nascar. Preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Alice J. Russell, on March 15, 2008, a son Robert A. Russell, and a sister, Katherine Crawford. Survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Joel and Joy Russell, of East Sparta; one sister and brother-in-law, B. Jeanne and Charlie Swartz, of Middlebranch; a sister-in-law and her husband, Barbara and Ted Brown, of North Canton; a brother-in-law and his wife, Bill and Patsy Bowman, of Magnolia; one granddaughter, Shondell; three great-grandchildren, Tyler, Kyle, and Kaitlyn; and his beloved dog, Harley. Services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. in the Finefrock-Gordon Funeral Home in Magnolia with Pastor Doug Lewis officiating. Interment in East Sparta Cemetery. Friends may call Thursday 6-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob's memory may be made to either East Sparta United Methodist Church, PO Box 445, East Sparta, OH 44626, or the East Sparta Civic Association, PO Box 217, East Sparta, OH 44626. Finefrock-Gordon (330) 866-9425 www.gordonfuneralhomes.com