Russell "Pete" Shell

Russell “Pete” E. Shell, 75, Lancaster, passed away on Saturday, November 19, 2011, at The Pickering House, after a short and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Russell was a member of the First United Methodist Church. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He loved fishing and building things with his hands. He retired from Straight & Lamp Lumber. He served in the United States Marine Corps. Russell was a past officer of all Lancaster Masonic Bodies: Lancaster Lodge #57 F.&A.M.; Lancaster Chapter #11 R.A.M.; Lancaster Council #3 R.&S.M.; and Lancaster Commandery #2 Knights Templar. He was also a member of Ohio Priory #18 K.Y.C.H.

Russell is survived by his wife of 27 years, Shirley Shell; children, Rhonda (Michael) Vickory, Keven (Sandy Wittman-Shell) Shell, Bryan (Loree) Shell, Kasey Shell, Daveitta Hudnall, John (Debbie) Thomas, Steve (Mickie) Thomas, and William Thomas; 23 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; brothers, Larry (Marcia) Shell and Ronald (Carol) Shell; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, David and Donna Bigham; many nieces and nephews; and good friends, Vic (Terri) Runkle “The Man”, Barry and Kathy Waller, David VanGundy, Harry and Pat Deavers, and Nancy (Jerry) McCrady.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell L. and Wilma Shell and step sons, David Thomas and Reginald Thomas.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm Wednesday at the FRANK E. SMITH FUNERAL HOME, Lancaster with Reverend Cheryl Foulk officiating. Family and friends may visit Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the funeral home with a Masonic Service at 7:30 pm Tuesday. Caring Cremation will follow.

Thank you to Dr. Kanwaljit Singh and his staff and to the Pickering House for their loving care to Russell and his family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Russell’s memory to the Pickering House, 282 Sells Rd, Lancaster, Ohio 43130 or the American Cancer Society, 870 Michigan Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43215