Russell Eavenson, 80, Residential carpenter, WWII Veteran

He was born April 19, 1923 in Cleveland, Ohio and had lived in Vermilion since 1960, moving from Berea

He was a World War II combat veteran of the U.S. Army Air Force, serving as crew chief on a B-17 bomber. He received the Silver Star and Purple Heart medals and the European-African-Middle Eastern service ribbon with six bronze stars.

Eavenson was a residential carpenter and built homes in Lorain and Cuyahoga counties from 1945 to 1987.

He was a member of Friends of Ritter Public Library, Ely Masonic Lodge 424, Scottish Rite, Carpenters Union Local 305 and the National Rifle Association and a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 451, Lorain, and M.O.C. Vin Gizmo Pup Tent 75, Vermilion. He enjoyed reading, woodworking and collecting antiques, especially books and puzzles.

Survivors include his sons Kenneth Eavenson of Elyria and Mark Eavenson of Vermilion; daughter, Barbara Takacs of Norwalk; brother, Paul Eavenson of Blue Ridge, Ga.; sisters Viola Nassano of Berea and Jean Noss of Florida; and seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Erma, in 1996; his parents, Landy L. and Minnie (nee Lane) Eavenson; brothers Luther Eavenson, Henry Clay Eavenson and Harold Eavenson; and one granddaughter.

Friends may call Wednesday, August 6, 2003 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. with a service at 7:00 p.m. by Ely Masonic Lodge, at Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South St., Vermilion. The Rev. Louis Bertoni, former pastor of United Church of Christ Congregational, will conduct funeral services there Thursday at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery with military honors by VFW Post 451.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ritter Public Library Endowment Fund, 5680 Liberty Ave., Vermilion 44089.