Russell Stalnaker

After a short battle with cancer, Russell Stalnaker, 67, passed away on January 31, 2023, with his son and sisters by his side. Russell was born on January 28th,1956, to Betty & Gene Stalnaker.

Russell fought hard against the rare cancer, a testament to his hardworking nature throughout his lifetime. As a teenager, Russell began his first job delivering newspapers in Tallmadge. One of his favorite jobs was working at the Coliseum; he was always recalling stories of passing some of the greats like Elvis and Led Zeppelin in a back hallway. This job most likely helped foster his love of rock and roll.

He worked at Carter Lumber for more than 30 years until accomplishing one of his lifelong dreams: to have his own gun shop. He owned Valley Gun & Collectibles in Strasburg for 10 years, meeting many new people throughout the experience.

His hard work was also evident through the one-room historical schoolhouse he called home in Marlboro Township. With some help from family and friends, he restored the entire schoolhouse, filling it with antiques, collectibles, and many memories with his son Paul.

When he wasn't working, Russell enjoyed time with family and friends, especially his granddaughters, Bristol and Bindee. His relationship with his granddaughters was truly something special. They adored each other.

In spring/summer months, Russell could be found riding his Harley; in fall/winter months, he could be found hunting with Paul. His weekends were filled with poker nights with high school friends and gun shows near and far. From the time he could drive, he never spent a Thanksgiving at home as he would spend the holiday weekend hunting at his uncle's farm in Hayesville.

Russell could make anyone laugh, even the person who was on the other end of his jokes. He was always making his son, nieces, nephews, granddaughters, and great-nieces laugh, as well as many other family members and friends. His family members looked forward to the funniest birthday cards signed "Love, Russ" in his distinctive handwriting paired with gifts wrapped in newspaper. He gave the best white elephant gifts, including a stuffed pet alligator from childhood, old snakeskin cowboy boots, and painted coconut voodoo heads.

No matter the holiday or the company, Russell loved to talk politics. Those who knew Russell knew he loved old westerns - especially those with John Wayne - and that he loved all things Muhammad Ali. Until he got sick, he was an avid boxer in the home gym in his basement.

Something that family and friends respected most about Russell is that he would always "tell it like it is". You could always rely on him for honest conversation and advice. He was stubborn at times, hardly ever asking for help, but he was incredibly self-sufficient and built a successful life for himself.

His smile, his laugh, his depth of life and knowledge, and his humorous antics will be especially missed by his son, daughter-in-law Chelsea, granddaughters, sisters, brother-in-laws, extended family, and lifelong friends.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents, among other grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is survived by his son Paul (Chelsea) Stalnaker of Marlboro Township; granddaughters Bristol & Bindee Stalnaker; sisters Becky (Brian) Allman and Beth (Brad) Burch of Tallmadge; nephews Andrew (Deidre) Allman, Blake (Sami) Allman, and Seth (Bailey) Burch; nieces Amibeth (Kevin) Allman and Sarah (David) Bartlett; great-nieces Zoie, Claire, Remi, and Mae; great-nephew Caleb; and cousin Amy (Mike) McFarland of Phoenix.

Visitation will be 4;00 until 7:00p.m. Monday, February 6, 2023 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at the funeral home.

Interment will be at Chestnut Hill Cemetery.