Rev. Russell Henry Birdsall

Rev. Russell Henry Birdsall, 93, of Huntington, IN was called to spend eternity with his Lord at 4:30 pm Wednesday, February 3, 2021 surrounded by his family at his residence. Russell was born on March 14, 1927 in Wadena, IA, the son of Stanley Birdsall and Minnie (Shields) Birdsall. He was a 1947 graduate of Mount Carroll High School and married Nellie S. Elser on September 3, 1951 in Chambersburg, PA. He was a proud member of the United States Navy serving on the USS Bunker Hill Aircraft Carrier CV17 during W.W. II. Russell graduated from Huntington College in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, and, in 1957, he completed a Master of Theology degree from Huntington College Seminary. He also holds a Master of Arts degree in School Administration from Ball State University. In 1957, he and his wife Nellie became Missionaries for the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, in Sierra Leone, West Africa. In 1968, Rev. Birdsall became the Dean of Students at Huntington College and later served as the Director of Church Services and Alumni. He pastored New Hope Church of the United Brethren in Christ, in Huntington and served as the Central Conference Superintendent. He was a coin collector and enjoyed attending car shows, and judging the antique cars during the Heritage Days Parade. His passions were Huntington University, United Brethren Global Ministries, and spending time with people. He was a wonderful grandfather, great grandfather, and was a great uncle to many nieces and nephews. Survivors include his loving Wife, Nellie S. Birdsall of Huntington, IN; Daughter, Sharon K. (Kevin) Cherry of Huntington, IN; Two Granddaughters, Amy Marie (Andy) Wiebe, of Bornheim, Germany, Allison Cherry of Huntington, IN; Three Grandsons, Ryan (Katie) Cherry of Chicago, IL, Jason (Michelle) Cherry of Lakeside, MT, Andrew (Kayla Herrmann) Cherry of Huntington, IN; Eight Great Grandchildren, Andy Matthew Wiebe, Alec Wiebe, Austin Wiebe, Aaron Wiebe, Adele Wiebe, Benjamin Cherry, Isabella Cherry, Adalyn Cherry; and Sister, Mildred Gleason of Ossian, IN. He is preceded in death by his Father, Stanley A. Birdsall, Mother, Minnie E. Birdsall, Sister, Maxine Livengood, and Brother, Roger Birdsall. Visitation will be from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm Friday, February 12, 2021 at Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, February 13, 2021 at College Park United Brethren Church, 1945 College Ave., Huntington, IN with Dr. Ray Seilhamer officiating. There will be one hour of visitation prior to the service. Burial will be in Marion National Cemetery, Marion, IN. Preferred memorials may be made in memory of Rev. Birdsall to Huntington University, or United Brethren Global Ministries in care of 865Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN, 46750. Please sign the online guest book at www.baileylove.com. Bailey-Love Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Russell Henry Birdsall.

Rev. Russell Henry Birdsall

March 14, 1927 - February 3, 2021