Russell F. Showers

Russell Francis Showers “TOGETHER AGAIN!” Russell F. Showers made his final journey to Heaven joining his wife Helen May 24, 2017. Russell was born in Massillon in 1920’s living with his family on 11th Street SE. He was the son of Bertha Viola Brittain Showers and Charles Woodward Showers previously of Beaver Falls, Pa. His father work for the PRR and that brought them to Massillon, Ohio. He was proceeded in death by his loving wife Helen (Honey) Faulds Showers whom he married in 1951, a marriage of 65 years. Russell was one of 5 sons. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Ellwood B. , Howard and Spencer B. (Whitey). His surviving brother is Nathan Showers and family of Huntsville, Alabama. He is also survived by a sister in law Jean Faulds Ilg of Massillon, and a brother in law John Faulds of Holidaysburg, Pa. He will be greatly missed by many, many, nieces and nephews in Massillon, Bolivar, East Liverpool, Galion, Pennsylvania, California, Virginia, Connecticut, Maine, South Carolina and more who were treated and loved by Uncle Russ as if they were his own children. Russell was a member of First United Methodist Church in Massillon, Oh for most of his life. Russell F. Showers graduated from Washington High School-Massillon class of “1938”. He joined the Navy and served in World War II 1942-1945 on a ship with the accomplishment of being a baker with the rank of “First Class” in the south pacific. His stories of baking and challenges of the war, living on a ship were humorous and inspiring. Returning from the war he was hired by the Pennsylvania Railroad as an apprentice machinist, later transferred to a Wrecking Crew based out of Canton, Ohio. Russ explained that the engines would freeze up or have problems and they had to go out and get things fixed or moving. “You know what we used to thaw them out?—alcohol,” he recently stated. Russ was hired at Timken Rolling Bearing plant—he applied for a job with the company’s internal railroad but instead they wanted him to take the job of loading of the train cars and trucks that were hauling Timken Steel. He retired after 18 years working at the Gambrinus plant (Bar-Shipping). Before and during retirement much time was spent taking trips in, across, and out of the country. Using trains for transportation if possible was a must. Sharing the experiences and taking along some family members was also part of the plan! Uncle Russ ‘s love of trains goes way back in his childhood. His father being a conductor for P.R.R. helped make that travel possible. One famous trip was to see Roosevelts’ inauguration in DC . Russ shared his love of all trains—one of a kind steam engines on display, model trains, planes, ships, antiques, glass, museums, gardens, music, architecture, history, food and great restaurants with as many nieces and nephews as was possible. Also retirement brought the pleasure of being able to spend winters in Florida with Jean and family in the Ft. Lauderdale area. Those were days of sunshine, fresh fruits like key limes for pie, vegetables, walking the park, and fellowship with neighbors from all over the country. Besides loving to travel Russell and his wife were avid readers remembering most everything they read. They visited and supported many organizations that focused on history like libraries, the Massillon Museum, The Wilderness Center in Wilmot, Smithsonian Inst., zoos, anything that helped preserve the past and was working for future generations to experience. “DO IT WHILE YOU CAN!” was life’s motto and was continually impressed upon all who enjoyed their company. Uncle Russ was the Massillon, Ohio historian in the family who could tell you about most every area of town and all the changes that had taken place over the years. A ride around town when something was being torn down or something new being built was a must. Likewise he knew every train sound as it passed through Massillon and most of the country. You could ask him what train line this was and he knew who owned it, what the trains carried and where they were going. No matter if you were a casual acquaintance or a blood relative you were treated like family -U. Russ enjoyed getting to know people, and never met a stranger. Uncle Russ passed along his Faith, the it’s never right to do wrong motto, and has inspired many generations with his humor, love for life, wisdom and generosity. If you asked anyone around him- they would make sure you knew how much fun it was to be anywhere with him and how much he loved his family. He was so interesting to be around. Even in his late senior years he continued his love for life and continued to learn. Those around him couldn’t help but enjoy their time with him and his enthusiasm and knowledge even in to politics and the latest news of the day. If he couldn’t remember something (which was not often) he learned quickly that the answer was easily looked up on a cell phone to be read to him. Many great discussion with the facts would follow. Uncle Russ has forever changed those who have been blessed to be around him and in his path of life. They will never be the same because of his love, life and friendship. Even in his last days and breath he was asking and caring about those special to him. Uncle Russ will be terribly missed but never forgotten! A service to celebrate his life will take place at the Paquelet & Arnold-Lynch Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 30th at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. Leslie Peine officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 12 noon until 1:30 p.m. Memorials are suggested in Russ’s name to the Veteran’s Memorial Park Fund, 1240. Attn: Judge Edward Elum, Massillon Municipal Court, Two James Duncan Plaza, Massillon, OH 44646 or call 330-830-1727.