Russell Dean Willingham

February 17, 1938 - January 26, 2015

Russell Dean Willingham, 76, of Kingsley, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2015 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on February 17, 1938, in Shelbina, Missouri, the son of the late Bart and Lynette Willingham. Russ graduated from Shelbina High School in 1956 and joined the US Navy, where he served for 6 years. He was an over the road truck driver for Michigan Milk Producers, Cherry Growers Inc., Burke Energy, and Mikowski and Son until his retirement. Russ was a member of Kingsley United Methodist Church, member of King's Men, the Kingsley Chamber of Commerce, and the Kingsley Lions Club. He was a past member of the American Legion of Kingsley; a member of the Michigan Area Blacksmith Association; he stamped shingles at the foundry at the Buckley Old Engine Show; worked with Habitat for Humanity and was a cub scout and boy scout leader. Russ married Joan (Newmarch), his "mail order bride" on August 19, 1959 at the Kingsley United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife Joan; children: Barton (Lisa) Willingham, Melinda (Steve Smith) Stone-Willingham, and Jeffrey (Tina) Willingham; grandchildren: Christopher (Tara) Stone, Andrew (Leanna) Stone, Breanna (Cody) Willingham, Danielle Willingham, and Zachary Willingham; great grandchildren: Lillian, Evalynn, Gwendalynn, and Madalynn; and father in law Harold Newmarch. He was preceded in death by his parents Bart and Lynette; an infant brother and sister, mother in law Mary Newmarch, son in law Jeff Stone, one finger and a thumb. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at the Kingsley United Methodist Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home and Cremation Services.