Russell Spalding

Tecumseh-- Russell Spalding, of Britton, age 89, passed away Wednesday, July 10, 2013, at The Fieldstone, Tecumseh Place, Tecumseh, MI. He was born November 12, 1923, the son of Claude Eugene Spalding and Goldie Grace (Elkins) Spalding in Cass County, Michigan. On June 10, 1950, he married Johann M. Warner in East Lansing, Michigan. He served in the Army during World War II, in which he was an active member of the 10th mountain division. During 1968, he served in Vietnam as a civilian military advisor. He was a life time member of the Masons, Shriners, NEA and MEA, as well as a member of DAV #20, American Legion #155, V.F.W. #1584 and served as past state commander of DAV, national executive committee of DAV, a past veteran service officer, volunteering his time transporting veterans from Lenawee County to the VA hospital in Ann Arbor and back home, and a member of 40 et 8. He worked as a teacher and administrator for Reading, Britton, Mio, where he also served as superintendent, and Dundee school systems. He along with his wife taught one year in Hawaii. Russell was instrumental in the formation of the Retired School Personnel of Lenawee County Association. He is survived by his sister in laws, Wanita Spalding of Buchanan, MI., and Rose Spalding of South Bend, Indiana; nieces and nephews, Bob Diedrich of Portland, Oregon, Patricia Massey of St. Cloud, Florida, Diane Spalding of South Bend, Indiana and Sue Spalding of Buchanan, MI., Karen Spalding-Mayer of Plymouth, Indiana and Donald Spalding of South Bend Indiana, Jan Spalding of Misohawka Indiana; and many other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Johanna; brothers Max, Lowell, Bob and Donald Spalding; sisters, Mable Wilds, Mildred Weed, and Marguerite Bonjarno; and niece Sandra Diedrich. The funeral service for Russ will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, 2013, at Wagley Funeral Home with Rev. Richard Bruce officiating. Burial will be private at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI. Friends may visit the family on Saturday, July 13, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home where the various Veterans groups will hold a service at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Housing Help of Lenawee for the Veterans’ Dire Needs Fund. Envelopes will be available at Wagley Funeral Home. Online condolences are welcomed at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com

Russell Spalding

November 12, 1923 - July 10, 2013