Russell Crowl Six

Aug. 25, 1923 - May 12, 2014

Russell Crowl Six, 90, of Holland Michigan, passed away at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans on May 12, 2014. Russell was born August 25, 1923, in Liberty Township, St. Joseph County, Indiana, to Bert LeRoy Six and Grace Lo Dema Crowl. All his 13 brothers and sisters have preceeded him in death. Russell married June Kleeves on August 25, 1943. Their 70th wedding anniversary and Russell’s birthday was celebrated last summer with many relatives and friends. Russell is survived by his wife, June; children, Sandra and Terry Gordy of Carson City, Judy and John Nash of Lansing, MI, Russ Six and Susan Woods of West Olive, MI, Jim Six of CA, Valerie and Baylen Lamasa of Tumwater, WA; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. Russ served in World War II stationed in Central Europe receiving the European Service Medal with three bronze stars, and two overseas service bars upon completion of his service in 1945. Employment brought him to Michigan where he was employed at Hart & Cooley. After Hart & Cooley, Russ was a truck driver for 10 years for Heidema Bros. Inc. Pine Creek School employed him as their custodian and bus driver. When West Ottawa Schools formed a district, Russ became the first groundskeeper. As the district grew, Russ became the transportation director. Russell built two of the homes in Michigan that the family lived in. When he was not working, he enjoyed time with family and friends, plus hunting, fishing, and cheering on his favorite sport teams. Upon retirement from the West Ottawa Schools, Russ and June lived many years in Baldwin, MI and then Dayton, NV. Currently they resided in Lansing, MI with their daughter, Judy, and her husband, John. Memorial contributions may be made in Russell’s name to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, 3000 Monroe Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505; or The American Heart Association of Michigan, 950 28th Street, SE, 49508. A memorial service will take place in Michigan at a later date this year.