TRAVERSE CITY — Russell DeClarke, 89, of Traverse City, died Sunday, April 3, 2011, at Munson Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family.Russell was born Sept. 9, 1921, in Grosse Ile, to the late Charles Russell and Olga (Hart) DeClarke.Russell served in the United States Navy during World War II aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Essex in the Pacific Theater.Russell graduated from Alma College in 1947. He was the first baseman and shortstop for the Alma College "Scots" baseball team. "Grampa's" love of the game has been passed onto his grandsons.Russell was state manager for Schenley Distillers and retired in 1978. He then pursued real estate in the Traverse City area.Russell was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Dolores, in 2002; and his brother, Norman, who died serving in the U.S. Air Force in the WWII European Theater.Russell is survived by his daughter, Joan (Wayne) Sterenberg, of Traverse City; son, Charles (Janet) DeClarke, of Holt; and grandsons, Charles and Michael DeClarke.Visitation for friends and family will be held Wednesday, April 6, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., with a rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m., at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.Graveside services will take place at a later date at Bohemian Cemetery on Neah-Ta-Wanta Road on Old Mission Peninsula.In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Munson Hospice in honor of Russell.Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your thoughts and memories with Russell's family.The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.