Russel Anderson

Russel Blaine Anderson, 93, passed away Friday, August 14, 2009, at the Logan Acres Care Center in Bellefontaine, Ohio. He was born April 17, 1916, in Columbus, Ohio, a son of the late Russel H. and Lena Gilmere Anderson of Centerburg. He was preceded in death by his wife, Clarissa Elizabeth Ralls; a son, Timothy Blaine Anderson; and a sister, Virginia Janiece Ginn.

Survivors include daughters Marlena (Dennis) Elliott of Sacramento, California, Brenda J. Billhimer of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Marcella J. Clark of Bellefontaine; a son, Thomas R. (Renee) Anderson of Forest, Ohio; a brother, Marvin H. Anderson of Centerburg; a sister, Phyllis Joan Whetsel of Dublin, Ohio; ten grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

While in his teens, he started working at Rockwell Orchard in Mt. Vernon, eventually becoming a manager. He enlisted in the Army during World War II, trained at the Hampton Institute to become a surveyor and eventually became a sergeant and chief warrant officer. He was discharged after the war ended and returned to manage Rockwell Orchard.

He went on to manage three other orchards, Wilde’s Orchard in Harveysburg, Weaver’s Fruit Farm in Owensville and Skylane Orchard in Worthington. He was famous for his special blend of cider, which he made for Ohio State football games for many years.

In 1965, he and his wife became the owners of Brookside Fruit Farm in Zanesfield, Ohio, until he retired from active participation in the orchard.

Never one to be idle, he received his private pilot’s license in the early 1950s and throughout the years, he owned and piloted several small airplanes. He was also the director of the Fruit Growers Marketing Association, a Jefferson Township trustee and was awarded the Zanesfield Citizen of the Year award in 2007.

He knew no strangers, loved people and loved to laugh and joke and never turned away anyone looking for help.

Calling hours are from 4:30 P.M. to 7 P.M. Tuesday, August 18, 2009, at the Eichholtz Funeral Home in Bellefontaine. A private burial is in the Mound View Cemetery in Mt. Vernon, Ohio.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association 25 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17 Chicago, Ill. 60601-7633; or online at http://www.alz.org/index.asp

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