Russel J. Zickefoose 96, passed away peacefully on Christmas day, December 25, 2025, at Sycamore Nursing home. 

He was born in Alton, West Virginia, on December 5, 1929, to Clara (Gould) and Minter Zickefoose. He graduated from Buckhannon Upshur high school in 1948 and joined the Navy. On November 25, 1955, he married Freada Weaver. 

He worked at Rubbermaid for 39 years retiring in 1991. He recently celebrated his 96th birthday surrounded by his family. Sharing lots of love and laughter.

Russel enjoyed spending time outdoors. He made many trips back to Alton to go trout fishing, deer hunting or just spend time visiting on someone's porch. He would load up his camper and park in a relative's yard for a few days. 

He also loved spending time doing woodworking in his shop and made many special things for his family. 

He was an avid West Holmes sports fan. If he wasn't able to attend a game in person, he would be found in his chair by the radio, listening. He also spent many hours attending his own children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s sporting events. 

Much of Russel’s free time was taken up doing “projects” for Freada who he loved dearly. These projects ranged from furniture making, saving a stray animal, building bird feeders to be monitored all winter long, helping with an event at the Victorian House, constructing decorative items for Freada’s numerous flower beds, making a new sign for the flower barn at the fair, and we can’t forget helping decorate for Christmas, Freada’s favorite event. Russ and Freada’s community involvement even earned them the honor of being Grand Marshal’s in the Antique Festival parade.

As Freada’s health failed, Russ did not want to leave her home alone so he gave up fishing, hunting, and attending sporting events in person so he could be at home with her. When Freada had to be moved to a nursing home, he drove to visit her almost daily and it was a rare occasion when he wasn’t there to eat dinner with her.

He is survived by his four children Connie (Don) Haga of Orrville, Jeff Zickefoose, David (Linda) Zickefoose and Joan (Jamie) Darr of Millersburg. Brother, Wayne (Joann) of Wyoming. Six grandchildren, Jeremy Manson, Josh Manson, Ryan Zickefoose, Calihan (Delbert) Dixon, Logan (Matt) Rucki, Lane (Paiten) Darr. Five great-grandchildren Isabella Manson, Louden Dixon, Audrey Dixon, Bennett Darr and Eloise Darr.

He was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 70 years, Freada (Weaver) Zickefoose (d.9-9-2025), as well as siblings, Morris “Mike” (Lola) Zickefoose, Clifton (Helen) Zickefoose, Pauline Bosley, Geraldine Arbogast, Carl (Ethel) Zickefoose, Bernard (Anna) Zickefoose.

The following is an abridged copy of Russel’s life he wrote himself several years ago. 

I went to a two-room schoolhouse through eighth grade and graduated from Buchannon Upshur High in 1948, I played baseball for three years. I spent a lot of time fishing and hunting as a kid. In July of 1948, I joined the U.S. Navy. I did basic training at Great Lakes Training Center, then was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia Navy base. I was assigned to a tugboat moving barges and pushing ships in and out of the piers. 

The Korean war started while I was there, so I was extended for another year of service. When I had seven months left, I was transferred to San Diego, California, I went to pre-commission school, then sent to Seattle, Washington to work on an aircraft carrier going back into commission. 

In May we went off the coast of California for about three weeks for a shakedown cruise. We were shooting at targets being pulled by boats and planes, then back to Seattle. On July 1st we headed for Korea. Since I had only had 10 days to go, they let me off in Seattle where I was discharged on July 3, 1952. 

I went back to Alton West Virginia, then got a job in Ambridge, Pennsylvania. I hated that place. It was a dirty steel mill that was hot and very noisy. I stayed about six weeks. 

I came to Millersburg and got a job at Rubbermaid in October of 1952. Retired on July 15, 1991. While in Millersburg I met this beautiful young lady, we got married in Monterey, Virginia on November 25, 1955. 

We had four great kids together; we have had our ups and downs. But, overall, it has been a great sixty some years.

No funeral services will be held. A celebration of life memorial will be held for Russel and Freada at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in their name to the Holmes County Historical Society in Millersburg or the Holmes County Fair /Flower Committee. Condolences may be shared online at www.heritagecremationsociety.com. (330) 875-5770.