Gary D. Russell

Gary D. Russell age 82 of Eaton, Ohio passed on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Hospice of Dayton. Born on December 10, 1943, in Butler County, Ohio he was the son of the late Arthur W. & Elinor J. (McWhirter) Russell. Gary was a 1961 graduate of Talawanda High School in Oxford, Ohio and served in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1964 stationed in Germany. He attended Sinclair Community College.

In 2005 he retired from Dayton Power & Light/Vectren Gas Company after 40 years of employment. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, camping, Ohio State sports, spending time at Eaton Place, being with his family, grandchildren and was quite the prankster.

A longtime member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Eaton, Member of the Masonic Lodge F&AM in New Paris, Served on the Eaton City Council and was the Mayor for the City of Eaton, Past member of the City of Eaton’s Planning and Zoning Commission, President of Eaton High School Athletic Boosters Club, President and Coach of Eaton’s Little League Baseball, Girls Softball, and Little Pro Football Organization, Honorary member and President of Eaton Country Club, President of Preble County Local Emergency Planning Committee, Trustee on Preble County’s Improvement Corporation, Trustee of Mound Hill Cemetery, Board of Director and Chairperson for Eaton-Preble County Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors for Preble County YMCA, Eaton Rotary Club, Preble County’s Recovery Board, Committee Member for Eaton’s Comprehensive Planning Committee, Eaton’s 4th of July Celebration, Eaton’s White Christmas Celebration, Fort St. Clair Historical Days, Member of Ft. St. Clair’s Militia, Eaton’s Well Head Protection Advisor Board, and the Eaton’s Retail and Business Association.

Preceded in death by two Brothers: Kenneth Russell and Douglas W. Russell.

Survivors include his wife of 44 years: Jeanette L. (Dearing) Russell. Children: Karrie Watson & Devin O’Cull of Englewood, OH; Kristy & Keith Wieser of Dallas, TX; Shaun & Kayla Russell of Columbus, OH; and Amy & Tim Downs of Eaton, OH; Grandchildren: Devon & Ash Watson, Dillon & Jen Watson, Derek & Ashley Watson, Ryan & Alex Miller, Jake Wieser, Josh Wieser, Hannah Russell, Aubrey & Zach Salyers, Logan & Claire Russell, Elinor Russell, Zach & Tori Cochran, Nathan & Ashton Cochran, Nick & Shelby Cochran, Tommy Downs, Timmy Downs, and Ethan & Alexis Phelps. 20 Great Grandchildren: Ozzy, Ezra, Molly, Briley, Vada, Katana, Margot, Maisie, Kane, Belle, Milo, Mason, Archer, Annabeth, Kohen, Darcey, Hudson, Maggie, Evan, and Nolan. Siblings: Marvin & Patti Russell of Hamilton, OH, David & Kay Russell of College Corner, Indiana and Elaine Secula and Bob of Florida; Carolyn Russell of Darrtown, OH and Patty Russell of Florida.

Family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Eaton Methodist Church 120 North Maple Street – Eaton, Ohio. The Celebration of Life Service will be at 12:00 PM at the church with Pastor Jeff Jewell officiating. Interment will be in Mound Hill Cemetery in Eaton, Ohio with Military Honors.

Arrangements entrusted to Barnes Funeral Home – Eaton, Ohio. Condolences www.barnesfuneralhome.com.