Russell Loomis

TRAVERSE CITY — Russell Howard "Russ" Loomis, 79, of Traverse City, died Tuesday evening, April 12, 2011, at Munson Medical Center.Born April 27, 1931, in Flint, he was the son of the late Russell T. and Helen G. (Anderson) Loomis. On Sept. 7, 1952, in Eldon, Iowa, he married the love of his life, Sue Elaine Wright. Their marriage of 59 years was blessed with much love, happiness and great family times.Russ was schooled at General Motors Technical Institute and worked at Chevrolet Division, prior his military service. He faithfully served his country with the United States Army from 1955-1957. He later was honorably discharged.Russ had been a resident of Traverse City since 1967, and had formerly lived in Muskegon and Erie. While living in the Grand Traverse area, Russ had worked at Parsons Corp. and retired from Midwestern Broadcasting as their business manager.He was an active member of Central United Methodist Church, Traverse City Masonic Lodge #222, F. and A.M., Order of the Eastern Star of Michigan, Chapter #147, Commandery #41, Knights Templar and Royal Arch Masons #102, and served on the Council of Royal and Select Masters #70. He believed strongly and dedicated his life to Masonry.Russ enjoyed sharing outdoor experiences with his family that included camping, fishing, canoeing and picnicking. He was always busy with home improvement and gardening projects. Being an accomplished trumpeter, he loved music throughout his life, instilling the love of music in his children. Russ enjoyed animals, therefore the Loomis household was always filled with a menagerie of pets.He is survived by his wife, Sue E. Loomis of Traverse City; children, Russell Charles (Patricia) Loomis, of Tucson, Ariz., Virginia S. (Andy) Kelly, of Traverse City, and Julie E. (John) Grumley, of Maple City; seven grandchildren, David Loomis, Jennifer Osborne, Sarah Nelson, Lauren Tondreau, Aaron Kelly, Tucker Grumley and Madeline Grumley; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Joan (Robert) Gray, of Canadian Lakes; a brother, James W. (Connie) Loomis, of Hale; along with many nieces and nephews.In addition to his parents, Russ also was preceded in death by an infant sister, Joyce Ellen Loomis. Memorial services followed by a Masonic Candle Light Service will be held at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 21, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Rev. Chris Lane will officiate.Cremation has taken place. Burial will take place later at Linwood Cemetery in Long Lake Township. In remembrance, memorials may be directed to Masonic Charities, Central United Methodist Church, Cherryland Humane Society or to A.C. Paws. Envelopes may be obtained at the funeral home. Kindly share your memories with the family on their online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com Arrangements were made with the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.