Mark Russell, 67, passed away in his home, surrounded by his close family and friends at his bedside in Jasper, Indiana on September 6, 2019.
Mark Allen Russell was born August 28, 1952 to the late Robert J. Russell and Colleen Robling Russell of Winslow. Grandparents, Doyle and Hazel Ward Robling of Winslow and Arla and Lillian Fritz Russell of Winslow, his former mother-in-law Carmen Johnson Wuchner of Petersburg also preceded him in death.
Mark served in the United States Army from 1971-1975. He returned to his hometown of Winslow, Indiana where he raised his family and solidified his place in the community. He will be missed by many.
His devotion to the Charger community could not be matched. He was renowned for his ability to stir a Pike Central crowd with his near famous “Give Me a C-H-A-R-G-E-R-S”. He was a dedicated father who loved his own children deeply, while assuming the role of “sports dad” to countless athletes over the years. Mark safely escorted Charger fans to and from sporting events to ensure that the Charger spirit was strong. There wasn’t anything he would not do for his Charger family.
He was a man of faith and integrity, devoted to providing for his family. He retired from Indianapolis Power & Light in 2001 after a 25-year career. After Mark retired from IPL, he went on to work at Hoosier Energy Merom from 2006-2017. He spent the last years of his life enjoying precious time with his children and grandchildren often attending sports events regardless of his deteriorating health. One could count on seeing Mark out and about with his best friend and pride and joy, Molly, his blue tick hound. He enjoyed fishing trips on the river with Chad Brown and his daughters Michelle and Melissa. Mark enjoyed motorcycle trips on his trike to visit his brother Tony. He attended the First Baptist Church in Jasper, Indiana with his wife of 13 years, Rhonda Russell.
He is survived by his wife, Rhonda Mallett Russell of Jasper, Indiana, one brother, Robert A. Russell (Mary) of Winslow, two step siblings, Marsha Murray of Oakland City and Mike Murray (Bridget) of Evansville, step-mother, Patricia Hill Russell of Oakland City, four children, Jason Russell (Rachel) of French Lick, Mark C. Russell (Angel) of Petersburg, Michelle White (Chris Hall) of Petersburg and Melissa Goodpasture (Chad Brown) of Petersburg. He also leaves behind four step-children, Truce Hawkins Arnold (Tracy) of Vincennes, Blair Hawkins (Shelia) of Vincennes, Shawn Hawkins (Alyssa) of Jasper and Heather Pummel (Robbie) of Vincennes. Mark had eight grandchildren, one great-grandchild, 14 step-grandchildren and 16 step-great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held for Mark at 1:30 pm on Thursday, September 12, 2019 at Harris Funeral Home in Petersburg, Indiana. Burial will immediately follow at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery. Pastor Jason Harris will be officiating the services. Visitation will be Wednesday, September 11, 2019 from 4 to 8 pm at the funeral home; and on Thursday at 10:00 am until the time of the services. Harris Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Mark Russell.
