Rev. Dale L. Russell, 69, formerly of Clearfield, died peacefully, Friday, December 15, 2017 at SpiriTrust Lutheran, York.
Born in Clearfield on April 6, 1948, he was the son of the late Albert T. and Leah V. (Yarger) Russell.
Dale was the loving husband and best friend of Ellen G. (Hess) Russell. Being childhood sweethearts, they were married July 19, 1968. Also surviving Dale are his two sons, Mark A. Russell and wife, Stephanie, Morrisdale, and Matthew A. Russell and wife, Michelle, Red Lion; brothers, Ralph E. Russell and his wife, Grace, Bridgewater, NJ and Barry D. Russell and wife, Amy, Uniontown; and two grandchildren, Rachel and Ryan Russell.
Dale was a graduate of Philipsburg-Osceola High School, Class of 1966, where he was a member of the wrestling team. After graduating he worked as a mechanic for the coal mining industry in the Clearfield area and worked as a sheet metal worker.
He also served as a Staff Sergeant in the PA Army Reserves in Clearfield, serving nine years.
Following a calling from the Lord, Dale graduated from Lock Haven University-Clearfield Campus and Wesley Seminary in Washington, DC. He went on to serve the Lord as a United Methodist Pastor for 23 years. In association with his Ministry, he served as the Treasurer for 15 years for the Local Pastors of the United Methodist Church. Most recently he was Director of Care Ministry at Bethany United Methodist Church, Red Lion.
Born in Clearfield on April 6, 1948, he was the son of the late Albert T. and Leah V. (Yarger) Russell.
Dale was the loving husband and best friend of Ellen G. (Hess) Russell. Being childhood sweethearts, they were married July 19, 1968. Also surviving Dale are his two sons, Mark A. Russell and wife, Stephanie, Morrisdale, and Matthew A. Russell and wife, Michelle, Red Lion; brothers, Ralph E. Russell and his wife, Grace, Bridgewater, NJ and Barry D. Russell and wife, Amy, Uniontown; and two grandchildren, Rachel and Ryan Russell.
Dale was a graduate of Philipsburg-Osceola High School, Class of 1966, where he was a member of the wrestling team. After graduating he worked as a mechanic for the coal mining industry in the Clearfield area and worked as a sheet metal worker.
He also served as a Staff Sergeant in the PA Army Reserves in Clearfield, serving nine years.
Following a calling from the Lord, Dale graduated from Lock Haven University-Clearfield Campus and Wesley Seminary in Washington, DC. He went on to serve the Lord as a United Methodist Pastor for 23 years. In association with his Ministry, he served as the Treasurer for 15 years for the Local Pastors of the United Methodist Church. Most recently he was Director of Care Ministry at Bethany United Methodist Church, Red Lion.
Dale loved the outdoors. He especially cherished the time he was able to hunt deer with his sons and friends in the "Endless Mountains" of Pennsylvania.
Dale enjoyed various hobbies, including being a president of the Philipsburg-Osceola Wrestling Club, playing fast-pitch softball in Philipsburg, and coaching a Little League and Teener League baseball team in the Philipsburg area. Being a mechanic, Dale always enjoyed working on engines. In his youth, Dale worked on several farms, and became a life-long tractor hobbyist.
A funeral service to celebrate Dale's life was held December 21 from Bethany United Methodist Church, Red Lion, with Pastor Ron Doverspike officiating.
Interment was in Bethlehem Stonepile United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Donations in his memory may be made to: Lupus Foundation of America, 2121 K Street NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20037.
Arrangements by the Etzweiler Funeral Homes and Cremation Service,York, PA 17403.
Dale enjoyed various hobbies, including being a president of the Philipsburg-Osceola Wrestling Club, playing fast-pitch softball in Philipsburg, and coaching a Little League and Teener League baseball team in the Philipsburg area. Being a mechanic, Dale always enjoyed working on engines. In his youth, Dale worked on several farms, and became a life-long tractor hobbyist.
A funeral service to celebrate Dale's life was held December 21 from Bethany United Methodist Church, Red Lion, with Pastor Ron Doverspike officiating.
Interment was in Bethlehem Stonepile United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Donations in his memory may be made to: Lupus Foundation of America, 2121 K Street NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20037.
Arrangements by the Etzweiler Funeral Homes and Cremation Service,York, PA 17403.
