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Clifford Russell

January 18, 2017
Paw Paw, MI

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Clifford Matthew Russell, age 101, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 in his home on Eagle Lake, Paw Paw, surrounded by loving family members. Cliff was born in Almena Township, Mattawan, MI to Matthew and Ethel (Underwood) Russell on May 4, 1915. He attended the Mattawan Public School system and went, as he often said, "as far as the eighth grade twice." At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Michigan Civilian Conservation Corp. Upon discharge, he moved to Kalamazoo, MI, and met and married Hazel D. Heywood of Grand Rapids, MI. Cliff was employed by Brophy Chevrolet, which later became DeNooyer Chevrolet, where he retired after 32 years of continuous service, as a certified master auto body technician, having mentored and trained many who went on to open their own body shops. Clifford and Hazel had four children before they divorced. Beverly died at birth, Janice Walker of Paw Paw, MI, Matthew "Matt" Russell (Josephine), deceased, formerly of Tacoma, WA, and Aaron "Bruce" Russell, of Portage, MI. Clifford also has six grandchildren: Dyett "Barbette" Gill (Richard), of Paw Paw, MI, Edward J. Russell (Dana), of Mattawan, MI, Wendell M. Walker (Sarah), of Farmington Hills, MI, Clifford K. Walker of Paw Paw, MI, John F. Walker (Karen), of Lansing, MI, and Christian M. Russell (Susan), of Hartford, MI. He also has nine great-grandchildren: Ashley, Alexis, Britni, Ambrea, Bridget, Jessica, Jeremy, Adam, Parker, and two great-great-granddaughters: twins, Eman and Dallas; along with many cousins, nieces and nephews. Clifford was the first-born son of 13 children. He was preceded in death by his parents, Matthew and Ethel; and siblings, Priscilla, Robert, Edith, Thomas, Clarence, Lillian, Sylvester "Doc", Clara, Emma, Matthew "Jr.", and Edward "Ed". He is survived by his baby sister, Adah Goeno, of Comstock, MI. Clifford was an avid fisherman, hunter, and woodsman from an early age. He liked to scrap metal, pick up aluminum, cans and walnuts, along the sides of the road, and scratch off lottery tickets along the way. For many, many years, he did barbering in his spare time, and loved to play card games with family and friends. Clifford's remains have been cremated and a memorial celebration of his life will be held at a later date, when the weather is nice and warm, just the way he liked it. Dates and times will follow later. Clifford was a kind and gentle man. He had a heart made of gold, a smile for everyone, and was never too prideful to pick up pennies. He will sorely be missed by all these whose lives he has touched. In lieu of flowers or donations, scratch off a lottery ticket, give your neighbor a smile ... and bend over and pick up a penny. "10-4 ... until we meet again."