Thomas Russell

Thomas “Tommy” Ward Russell, 77, of Zanesville passed at 10:55 AM Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Brookdale Senior Living.
He was born on Sunday, September 21, 1947, in Zanesville, Ohio the son of the late Albert B. Russell and Betty F. Harden Russell.
Tom graduated from John Glenn High School class of 1965. He was a U.S. Army Veteran serving in the Vietnam War; a 50-year Mason, as well as a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles #302, the American Legion, and the VFW. Tom belonged to St. Thomas Aquinas Church and was a beloved member of the Old Trail Hunt Club. Tom was employed at General Electric for many years before retiring. He was an avid sports fan, rooting for the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Reds and The Ohio State Buckeyes.
In the past few years, Tom became a social media sensation in his quest to find the perfect burger in and around town; but “Tommy’s Travels” always landed him back at Terry’s Tavern for their famous cheeseburger, fries, and a Budweiser. The rare occasions he wasn’t in a burger mood, Adornetto’s Pizza was his go-to and loved to indulge in a sundae or milkshake from Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl.
He is survived by his son, Taylor “TaTeR ToT” (Melinda) Russell; two sisters, Donna (Terry) Fusner and Pam (Bill) Roberts; a sister-in-law, Carol Ann Ackers; nieces and nephews, Paula (Bryan) Bellomy, Christine Fusner, Samara Ackers Gibbs, Mandy (Freddie) Martin, Mark (Angie) McDermott, Lisa (Casey) Miller, and Lindsay (Ratana) Tho; as well as fourteen great nieces and nephews and seven great-great nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, in-laws (Kenny and Zita Taylor), and nephew Todd Fusner; Tom was preceded in death by his wife, N. Jolene Russell.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Monday, March 24, 2025, at the Bryan & Hardwick Funeral Home. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church with Fr. David Young as celebrant. Burial with Military Honors will conclude at the St. Paul Cemetery, Sonora.
Memorial contributions can be made in Tom’s name to Old Trail Hunt Club, (4405 Murphy Hill, Zanesville, Ohio 43701).
The Bryan & Hardwick Funeral Home, 2318 Maple Ave. Zanesville is in charge of the arrangements. To share memories and condolences with Tom’s family please visit www.BryanHardwickFH.com.