A private family memorial service celebrating the life of Russell D. “Russ” Grimm will be held 2 PM Wednesday at the First United Methodist Church in Bixby. Friends may view the ceremony on the First United Methodist Church Facebook page. Visitation will be open to the public from 5-8 PM Monday at the Rivercrest Chapel at Bixby Funeral Service. Russ passed away Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at his home in Bixby. He was 70 years old.
Russ was born October 20, 1950 in St. Louis, Missouri. He was the son of Richard and Jacqueline (Moore) Grimm. Russ primarily grew up in Albuquerque where his father worked for the federal government. He was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America, ultimately earning the honorable rank of Eagle Scout. During his junior year in high school, the family relocated to Moline, Illinois where he would graduate with the Class of 1968.
While attending the University of Central Oklahoma, Russ was introduced to Marsha Brown. The couple married June 29, 1979 at the Village United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City. Russ gained employment in Tulsa where they would spend 40 wonderful years together while raising their children, Ryan and Whitney. Russ and Marsha have lived in Bixby since 1980.
Russ continued his adventures in scouting throughout adulthood. He served as Scoutmaster for Broken Arrow Troop 999, was involved with the Wood Badge national leadership course, as well as adult leadership training within the organization.
The Grimm family are longtime members of the First United Methodist Church in Bixby. Russ has been a devoted leader in the youth group, served on numerous committees through the years, and always volunteered his time during the annual church ski trip.
Russ spent his entire working life in the wholesale plumbing business. He was employed by Central Floor Distributors, Ferguson Enterprises, and most recently, Heatwave Supply. Russ retired in October of 2020 following a long and successful career.
A collector and restorer of automobiles, Russ had an impressive collection of Corvettes. He even served as a judging chairman with the National Corvette Restorers Society. Russ also collected Lionel Trains, Boy Scout pocket- knives, and endless magazines about trains and automobiles. He had a room upstairs in his home in which his loved ones joyfully called the “train wreck” room. Russ’ most recent project was the restoration of a 1951 Ford pickup.
Russ is survived by his wife, Marsha of Bixby; his children, Ryan Grimm and wife Kendra of Denver, and Whitney Grimm of Bixby; his granddaughter, Finnley, who was Russ’ pride and joy; his sisters, Linda Smith of Stroud, Pam White and her husband, Gary of York, South Carolina, and his brother, David Grimm and wife, Becky of Tucson, his sister-in-law, Nancy Nakayama and husband, Yas of Broken Arrow; and many nieces, nephews, and friends who loved him dearly.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society or the Boy Scouts of America.
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