Russell Thomas

Russell Clare Thomas, affectionately known to many as "Uncle Russ”, fell asleep in Jesus on the morning of April 29, 2026, in the home of his son and daughter-in-law, Jay and Helene, near Uchee Pines Health Institute in Alabama. He was 98 years and eight months old.

Born in Hope Township, Michigan to Richmond and Grace Thomas, Russell was the eighth of thirteen children. Russell and Faith Cox married on May 29, 1949, embarking on a loyal and loving partnership of nearly 70 years until Faith's death in 2019.

Russell's educational journey took him from Edenville Seventh-day Adventist Elementary School to Cedar Lake Academy, where he graduated in 1945. He furthered his studies at Emmanuel Missionary College in Berrien Springs, Michigan, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with minors in Theology and Agriculture. Russell was a man of diligence and perseverance, working tirelessly to finance his own education through various jobs, from working on the college farm and dairy, to canvassing for religious books, to working the night shift full time as a lathe operator.

Russell's career was a remarkable 44-year odyssey in Literature Evangelism. It began as the Assistant Publishing Director of the Michigan Conference in Detroit. During his three years in West Pennsylvania Conference he was ordained to the gospel ministry. His calling led him and his family to seven years as a missionary in South Korea. Back in America, he worked tirelessly, traveling across the nine states of northern and central United States for nine years. Called to the Middle East and Eastern Africa, for ten years he directed the Publishing Ministry through challenging times, including the Lebanese Civil War, the communist revolution in Ethiopia, and Tanzania’s war against Idi Amin in Uganda. After only two and half years leading his own beloved Michigan Conference, he was called overseas again to Singapore, where he managed the literature ministry across the 15 countries of the Far Eastern Division, guiding over three thousand literature evangelists, training their leaders, and fostering the growth of ten publishing houses.

In retirement, Russell’s passion for service did not wane. Back in Michigan, after two years of retirement, he volunteered as an interim pastor and church planter for 17 years, eventually planting a church in Clare, MI, which grew into a vibrant congregation of 120 members, with a new church building, dedicated debt-free.

Russell loved people. He was widely known for his storytelling skill. Other less-known talents included gardening, mechanics, and slalom water skiing. In heaven, he said, he dreams of being a farmer.

Russell is survived by two sisters Virginia and Willadean, his children LaVon Russell, Kendall Delos, Jay Donovan, Shaloy Sharon and their devoted spouses Beats, Becky, Helene, and Leif Penrose, twelve grandchildren, 16 great and three great-great-grandchildren, many cherished nephews and nieces, two cousins, and a host of friends who were touched by his kindness and wisdom.

A service to celebrate Russell's remarkable life will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Edenville Seventh-day Adventist Church. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 P.M. at Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home in Beaverton. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the "Publishing" Memorial Fund at HeReturns, continuing Russell’s mission to spread the word he cherished so deeply by strengthening publishing houses in Africa. Donations can be made at donate.hereturns.org.

As we honor the life of Russell Clare Thomas, we think of Isaiah 52:7, a scripture that encapsulates his life's work and faith: "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!"

“Uncle Russ’s” legacy is etched in the hearts of all of us he touched, and his memory will forever be a guiding light of faith, love, and service. His hope and ours rests in the resurrection at the soon coming of Jesus Christ.

Arrangements are in the care of Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home. www.hallkokotovichfuneralhome.com