Russell Charles Heinrich

Russell Charles Heinrich, age 74, went home to be with the Lord at West Chester Medical Center on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 3:45 PM. He was born in Hamilton on November 23, 1936 the son of Frank and Gertrude (Schmitt) Heinrich. Russ was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force from 1955 to 1959, where he played on the basketball team. He was a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service and retired after 35 years, when he then worked as a pizza delivery man. Russ enjoyed bowling, golf, and watching all sports. He proudly left behind his legacy in the Gus Invitational Golf Tournament, held yearly in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in his honor for the past 22 years. Russ was a member of Amvets #1983, American Legion #138, and NALC Branch #426. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. On June 25, 1960 in Hamilton he married Mary Margaret Byrd.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Heinrich of Hamilton; two daughters, Tina (Doug Paxton) Heinrich and Dertra "Dee" (Otto "Butch") Prewitt, both of Hamilton; a brother, Frank (Mary) Heinrich of Fairfield; two sisters, Thelma (Glen) Beckett and Evelyn Zimmers, both of Hamilton; three grandchildren, Samantha (fiancé Tony Murray) Prewitt, Lacey Prewitt, and Dustin Heinrich, all of Hamilton; five nephews, with whom he was raised and remained close with his entire life, Mark, Kenny, Doug, Dennis and Kevin; close friends Bobbie Collins and Harold Mudd, both of Hamilton; and many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Richard, Ralph, and Ronald Heinrich; a sister-in-law, Maxine Heinrich; and a brother-in-law, Don Zimmers.

Funeral service will be held at the Brown-Dawson Funeral Home, 1350 Millville Avenue, on Thursday, May 5, 2011 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Scott Miller, Pastor of Timberhill Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow in Hickory Flat Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Fort Hamilton Hospital, West Chester Medical Center, Drake Center, and Mercy Franciscan at Schroder for all their loving care and support over the past six months