Obituary of Franklin E. Russell

Warrensburg: Franklin E. "Boo" Russell, Sr., 72, of Karen St., passed away Saturday, July 27, 2013 at Glens Falls Hospital after being stricken at his home. Born April 29, 1941 in Sodom, he was the son of the late Norman and Bertha (Reed) Russell. Frank was a lifelong resident of the area and married Eliza May Hill on September 2, 1961; the couple resided in Thurman where they raised their children. He began his career with Warren County DPW before getting a fulltime position with New York State DOT. He retired after 37 years of service. Frank was a 25 year member of the Thurman Vol. Fire Co. He enjoyed bowling on the Fire Company League. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren and was avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and stockcar races. Most recently he enjoyed going to casinos with his companion Betty Clayfield. He also looked forward to visiting his cousin, Buck Rounds and his wife Maggie in Michigan. Besides his parents, Frank was predeceased by his beloved wife of 37 years, Eliza Russell who passed away on April 12, 1999. He is survived by three children, Darlene Castro of Thurman, Franklin E. Russell, Jr. and his wife, Ginger of Thurman, and Linda Griswold and her husband, Adam of Thurman; seven grandchildren, Amanda Morse and her husband, Brody, Rachel Castro, Manny Castro, Alysia Griswold, Makayla Griswold, Jewel Russell, and Kendra Russell; two great-granddaughters, Paige and Haley Morse; two brothers, Norman “Sonny” Russell of Warrensburg, and Lyman Russell and his wife, Bonnie of Virginia; three sisters, Blanche Hayes and her husband, Dan of Bolton Landing, Betty Geraghty and her husband, Jonathan of Warrensburg, and Debbie Blackmer and her husband, Bob of Florida; former son in law, Manny Castro. He also leaves behind a close friend, Kevin Gillingham, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Friends may call on Frank’s family from 5-8 pm Wednesday, July 31st, 2013 at Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, 3809 Main Street, Warrensburg. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 am, Thursday at the funeral home with the Rev. Robert Herrmann, former Pastor of the Thurman Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow in Thurman Baptist Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Manny Castro, “Dude”, Brody Morse, Adam Griswold, Kevin Gillingham and Tom Clayfield. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations in Franklin’s memory to Warrensburg Emergency Medical Squad, 3 King St, Warrensburg, NY 12885. Frank’s family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to his companion, Betty Clayfield for the all of her love and dedication through the years of his failing health. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guest book, condolences, and directions.