Donald  Leroy Russell, 66, of Defiance, passed away on  Saturday December 30, 2017 at his residence.
  
He was born in Paulding on September 16, 1951 to Donald N. and Leah (Stemen) Russell.   Don was a graduate of Grover Hill High School class of 1969.  He worked as a house painter with his dad while in high school and later worked at GM Powertrain Foundry, Defiance for 37 years retiring in 2006.  On November 22,1969 he married Carol Sherry who resides in Defiance.  Don enjoyed bird watching and was an avid Ohio State Buckeyes and Cincinnati Reds fan.  Most of all he loved playing with his grandchildren. 

Don  is survived by his loving wife Carol Russell of Defiance, daughter, Sandra Comstock (Jake Brissey) of Holgate, son, Steven (Nancy) Russell of Columbus,  grandchildren, Daniel S. Mohr, of Napoleon, Duncan Comstock, James and Joseph Mohr, and all at home, and Katelyn Russell also at home, sisters, Arline Gloor, of Paulding, Ruth (Tom) Wilmoth, of Mandale, and Thelma Lannan, of Defiance brothers, Rex Russell, of Defiance, Kenneth (Suzanne) Russell, of Cleveland, and Kevin  Russell of Mandale. 
  
He was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother, Paul Arthur Russell.
  
Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 3, 2017, from 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance and one hour prior to services at the church.  Funeral services will be held Thursday January 4, 2017 at 1:00 pm at Bethel Christian Church, Arthur with Pastor Chris Baker officiating.  Entombment will follow at Riverview Memory Gardens.
  
Memorials may be made to Bethel Christian Church, The American Cancer Soiety, or The Kidney Foudation of Northwest Ohio. 
Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.