Obituary of Edgar C. Russell

WOODHULL: Edgar C. Russell, 85, of Smith Rd. passed away Monday, May 6, 2024 at his home due to a chronic heart condition. Edgar was born February 5, 1939 in the town of Canisteo to the late George and Helen (Loper) Russell. On August 18, 1962 in South Canisteo Methodist Church, he married the former Garness Luther, who survives and resides in Woodhull. He was a life-long resident of the Woodhull area and had always been a hard- working child, husband and father. As a young child he would pull his little wagon around helping his father on the Swale family farm, and at age of 16 he was very proud to have bought his first farm. During his high school years, he was a very good wrestler and was proud of the many wins he accomplished. For several years Edgar ran a bulldozer for the Steuben County Water & Soil Dept. from 1956-82. In 1982 he returned to his life-long dream of being a full-time dairy farmer on Smith Road in the town of Woodhull, where he proudly supported and raised his family. In 2003 after receiving much needed double knee replacement and a hard heartfelt decision, he sold his dairy but continued to raise beef cattle and grow his own crops. Edgar enjoyed his connection to the land right up to the time of his passing by spreading lime on his fields this Spring. Edgar was a fine husband, father, grandfather and friend and will be greatly missed. In addition to his wife, he is survived by four daughters Ludeema Rae (Brian) Allington of Woodhull, Molly Russell of Horseheads, Tammy (Martin) Hubbard of Kentucky, Kimberly Russell (Kenneth Wade) of Troupsburg, one son, Christopher (Lisa) Russell of Horseheads. 20 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister Barbara Russell of Albany, a brother Donald (Becky) Russell of Green, NY and brother-in-law William Stewart of Elmira, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by an infant son, Edgar Abraham, brother George “Bud” Russell, Jr. and two sisters Lois Mattison and Elaine Stewart. The family will receive friends from 5-7 Sunday, May 12 and noon-2 pm on Monday, May 13, at the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo where funeral service will take place immediately following calling hours on Monday at 2:00 pm. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery in Canisteo. Memorial contributions in Edgar’s name may be made to the American Heart Association. Arrangements in care of H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo.