Brian E. Russell, 40, of 04495 Auglaize Co. Road 33-A in St. Marys, OH died 12:07 p.m. Saturday July 31, 2010 in the emergency department at Lima Memorial Health System from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident near Roundhead, OH.

He was born January 12, 1970 in Lima, OH to Stanley and Betty (Benson) Russell, Jr.

He is survived by:

Father, Stanley Russell, Jr. of Cridersville, OH

Mother, Betty Duer-Smith of St. Marys, OH

Daughter, Whitney Johns of St. Marys, OH

2 grandchildren Kohltan and Braylee Fleagle

Sister, Betty Hertz of St. Marys, OH

Sister, Tammy ((Ty) Courtney of Ohio City, OH

Brother, Tony Russell of St. Marys, OH

Sister, Pam Slife of St. Marys, OH

Brother, Ronald Smith II of St. Marys, OH

Sister, Tracy Smith of Celina, OH

Sister, Tonya Smith of New Haven, IN

Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Stanley (Eva) Russell, Sr.; maternal grandmother, Hazel Benson; step-father, Ronald Smith;, brother-in-law, Robert Hertz.

He was currently working as a contractor in Columbus. He had previously been employed with Findlay Industries in Ohio City, OH and General Rental & Landscaping in Celina, OH.

He had served in the US Navy.

Brian was a fun-loving guy who enjoyed life and all that it offered. When not busy working, he liked getting together with family and friends to enjoy each other’s company.

His interests included hunting, traveling and riding 4-wheeler ATV’s. He was especially fond of spoiling his pet pit-bull dog, “Bud.”

Rites for Mr. Russell are 12:00 noon Thursday August 5, 2010 scheduled at Miller - Long & Folk Funeral Home 314 W. High Street in St. Marys, with the Rev. Judy Ball, officiating.

Visitation for family and friends will be held 4 - 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home on High Street.