Catherine 'Casey' Campbell Goman Russell

Catherine Campbell Goman “Casey” Russell died at age 91 on June 29th, 2016 in Bradenton, FL.

Casey was born on April 9, 1925 in Ecorse, Michigan to the late LeRoy Tucker and Mary Theresa (Campbell) Goman.  She grew up in Sand Creek, MI and Ortonville, MI.  Joining the high school band , she gained fame as the “The Little Girl With The Big Bass Drum“. She graduated from the University of Kentucky, Class of 1947, having earned a four year scholarship for her Bass Drum Skills.  Also a member of Zeta Tau Alpha, Casey was managing editor of the Kentucky Kernel and chief announcer at the UK radio station. There she met her future husband Wm. F. “Rusty” Russell whom she married in 1947.

As they moved from Lexington, KY to Bridgeman, MI, Russellville, KY, Louisville, Henderson, KY, Dayton, OH and Charleston, IL Casey was frequently writing copy for Rusty’s newspapers and radio stations. She also lent her talent for columns and commercials. She became the Librarian at Evansville Day School, was Secretary for the Director of Libraries at Eastern Illinois University and after moving to Bradenton in 1979, worked as Administrative Assistant for the Director of the Manatee Library System.

Her volunteer work was important to her. Casey was always active in the Presbyterian Church wherever she lived. She contributed many hours of community service with the Louisville Younger Woman’s Club; She was wedding director at First Presbyterian for 18 years.  She and Rusty have donated many hours to the DeSoto Historical Society, The Crosley Estate and the Sarasota Orchestra.  A gourmet cook, an avid reader and a weaver, she was still active in her ZTA Alum group.  She was a determined genealogist in researching her family ties. Prior to her battle with Alzheimer’s disease, she and Rusty traveled the world.

Casey is survived by her beloved husband of 68 years, William F. “Rusty” Russell, her son William Tucker “Tuck” Russell (Elaine) of Orange City, FL and daughter Catherine E. “Cathy” (Joe) DeMartino of Pensacola , FL as well as granddaughters Rachel E. Polich of Chicago, IL and Sarah R. Polich of West Lafayette, IN. and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son Robert “Rob” Merrell Russell of Bradenton.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 AM on Friday, August 19, 2016 with a Celebration of Life to follow at 11:00 at the First Presbyterian Church, 1402 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton. Interment will follow at Sarasota National Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Bradenton Music Ministry in her memory.

Arrangements are entrusted to Shannon Funeral Home Town Chapel, Bradenton, FL. Condolences for the family may be made online at www.shannonfuneralhomes.com

Receiving of Friends
2016-08-19 10:00:00
11:00:00
First Baptist Church Palmetto
1020 4th Street West
Palmetto
Fl
34221


Celebration of Life
2016-08-19 11:00:00
First Presbyterian Church of Bradenton
1402 Manatee Ave W.
Bradenton
FL
34205


Committal following service
First Presbyterian Church of Bradenton
1402 Manatee Ave W.
Bradenton
FL
34205