Edwin Russell's Obituary
Edwin Russell of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away peacefully Monday, June 5, 2017 in Hope Hospice, Cape Coral, Florida. He was 93. Edwin was born August 15, 1923 in Murray, Kentucky; the beloved son of the late Bert B. Russell and Lillian C. Russell. He was a member of the masonic lodge (F & A M), the Scottish Rite and the Syrian Shrine. Edwin joined the US Army in 1943 and proudly served in the European Theatre. After he sustained a bullet wound to the neck during the invasion of Normandy Beach, he was presented the Purple Heart. In addition to the Purple Heart, Edwin also received One Bronze Star and the Arrowhead Medal that represents his involvement on D DAY on the beaches of Normandy, France in “Operation Overlord. He ultimately was honorably discharged with the rank of Tech-5 (Corporal) in February 1946. Edwin owned and operated the “Kim – Pat Dairy Treats” with two locations; one in Livonia, Michigan and the other in Redford Township, Michigan. After retiring from the soft serve ice cream business, Edwin moved to Southwest Florida in 1980. He began a new career as a bus driver for Lee County Schools. He retired after 10+ years of service to Lee County Schools. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Alberta E. Russell (2006) and a grandson, Kyle (1994). Edwin was the last of 7 children of Bert and Lillian. Edwin is survived by his daughter, Kimberly G. Russell, step-daughter, Patricia Iler, adopted daughter, Linda Peppenelli and adopted son, Tony Peppenelli. He was the loving grandfather of five grandchildren; Jennifer, Staci, Ashlee, Ryan and Ron. Edwin also leaves behind two great grandsons; Bo and Xander. Visitation will be 1:30pm-2:30pm with funeral ceremony at 2:30pm, Friday, June 16, 2017 in the chapel of Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home 1589 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, Florida 33907. Immediately following the ceremony, he will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife Alberta in the Garden of Peace Mausoleum of Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hope Hospice 2430 Diplomat Parkway, Cape Coral, Florida 33990. Online condolences and memories may be left on his tribute page at www.fortmyersmemorial.com
What’s your fondest memory of Edwin?
What’s a lesson you learned from Edwin?
Share a story where Edwin's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Edwin you’ll never forget.
How did Edwin make you smile?