Russell A. Taft, 99, a lifetime resident of Battle Creek, passed away peacefully in his sleep, Sunday, December 8, 2019. He is joined in heaven with his wife Isabelle, who preceded him in death in 2002. Russell was born August 3, 1920 in Battle Creek, the son of Rolland and Gussie (Winter) Taft. Russell was employed by Garrett's over 40 years as a typewriter repairman. He loved spending time with family and friends and tinkering around in his garage and/or basement making/fixing things. He served during WWII in the U.S. Army infantry in Rosenheim, Germany where sustained gunshot injuries through the abdomen. He earned a Purple Heart, 2 bronze stars, and the Croix De Guerre, French Medal of Honor.

Russell married Isabelle Carr April 14, 1940 and had 6 children: Russell (Anne) Taft, Patricia Taft (deceased), Marilyn Taft (deceased), Thomas Taft, Richard (Marlene) Taft, and Michael Taft (deceased). Russell is also survived by two siblings, Delores (John) Kenny, and William Taft, 4 grandchildren: Donna (Jim) Bradstreet, Michael (Gloria) Taft, Teresa (Andy) Dillon, and Scott (Cara) Hintz and many great grand children. Russell was also preceded in death by his parents, 9 other siblings, and countless loved ones.

A service to celebrate Russell's life will be held Thursday, December 12, 2019 @11:00 am at Baxter Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends, Wednesday, December 11, 2019, from 4-7 pm at Baxter's. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Russell’s name to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.