Russel Andrew Anderson, 79, Electrician

He was born May 14, 1925 in North Ridgeville. Elyria has been his home since 1956.

He served in the US Navy during World War II in the Pacific and Atlantic Theater. Russel was employed by General Motors in Elyria for forty years, retiring in 1987 as an electrician. He was an active member of Church of the Open Door in Elyria where he served as a Sunday School Teacher and past Deacon. He also worked as a maintenance man for several years at the Church after retirement and volunteered in the kitchen helping out with the meals.

Survivors include his wife of forty-eight years, Gertrude Ann Anderson (nee: Clark); his son, Richard Anderson of Indianapolis, Indiana; his daughter, Rebecca “Becky” Pence of Elyria, two granddaughter; and his brother Robert H. Anderson of El Cerrito, California.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Felix and Meta Anderson (nee: Kost).

Friends may call Sunday, December 26, 2004 from 2-5 p.m. at the Hempel Funeral Home, 373 Cleveland Avenue, Amherst. Funeral services will be held Monday, December 27, 2004 at 11 a.m. from the funeral home. The Rev. Robert Schroyer, associate pastor of Church of the Open Door will officiate. Burial will be in Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Church of the Open Door, 43275 Telegraph Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035 or Open Door Christian School, 8287 West Ridge Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035.