Robert Hunter Russell passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2024, in San Marcos, CA after a sudden illness.

Hunter is survived by his wife, Karen Russell; his children Tanya Kirkpatrick (Brian Kirkpatrick) and Tina Wagner (Harry Wagner); his grandchildren Sydney Wakefield (Andrew Wakefield), Nick Wagner, Kara Kirkpatrick, and Ana Kirkpatrick and his great-grandchildren Fia Wakefield and Otto Wakefield; his siblings Annette Cargill (Mike Cargill), Eleanor Parker (John Parker), and Bruce Russell (Kathy Russell). He was preceded in death by his parents Robert (Bob) and Jane Russell and his sister Nancy Hill.

Hunter was born on Pearl Harbor Day, December 7, 1941, in Ashland, KY. He graduated from Troy High School in 1959 and first in his class from Ohio Northern University in 1963 with a B.S. in Pharmacy. While in college, he was a member and then Reagent of the Kappa Psi pharmaceutical fraternity.

Hunter married Karen Zimmerman in 1962. Hunter and Karen met at Troy High School where their first date was attending the homecoming their senior year. They welcomed Tanya in 1964 and Tina in 1967. Hunter modeled and instilled in his children a strong work ethic and a drive to serve others. Hunter was a member and deacon of the Presbyterian Church in Troy Ohio for several years and, recently attended Daybreak Church in Carlsbad, CA. He was an active member of the Optimist Club of Troy Ohio and served as President. With the Optimists, he was Director of the Soap Box Derby for one year and supported the Derby in other years. He was a Board member of the Ohio State Pharmacy Society. Hunter actively participated in fundraising and was a Board member of the local American Cancer Society. He was dedicated to the care of patients and served on the Miami County Hospice Board from 1983 to 2000.

Hunter had many hobbies and was very active throughout his life. He enjoyed building and flying RC airplanes and was on the Troy, Ohio WACO Board of Directors and served as Secretary of the local chapter. He loved playing tennis and competed locally for several years. When his feet no longer tolerated the tennis, he switched to road biking. He loved biking and put the miles under his tires. He was still biking 25-35 miles up to his very late 70’s and would have continued if his health allowed. Hunter and Karen enjoyed playing ukulele, golf, and walking. More recently Hunter won several trophies for corn hole at Rancho Vallecitos. Hunter loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life for Hunter Russell is scheduled for October 12, 2024 11:00am to 2:00pm in the game room at Rancho Vallecitos, 3535 Linda Vista Dr, San Marcos, CA 92078. There will be a second celebration in Troy, Ohio in March of 2025. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of Miami County. Donations: https://www.ohioshospice.org/give/

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