Russell L. Gillow

Russell Leo Gillow, 91, of Prompton, Clinton Township, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday afternoon, September 7, 2024. His beloved wife of more than 72 years, the former Joanna R. Cobb survives him. They were married on April 13, 1952. Joanna is the daughter of the late Rev. Seth and Gladys Cobb, the former pastor and wife of the Aldenville Baptist Church.

Born September 29, 1932, on the family farm in Prompton, PA, Russell lived there most of his life. He was the son of the late Fred and Florence (Chyle) Gillow. Russ was a graduate of Waymart High School Class of 1950 and was a member of its basketball team.

Knowing that his name would soon be coming up, Russ enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served his country from August 17, 1954 - August 17, 1956 during the Korean War. Russ later drove for the Captain while in Okinawa, a job he was privileged to have, and thoroughly enjoyed.

Fondly enjoying the farm and country lifestyle with its hunting and fishing privileges, he became an avid deer hunter with a keen eye and learned the lifestyle and patterns of those four legged creatures very well. Russell also enjoyed watching the smaller animals, studying their movements and habits. He enjoyed watching the birds and could distinguish one tree from another very easily. At age 90, Russ was still splitting firewood by hand.

Russ was a man who enjoyed life; he was a hard worker and seemed to have the ability and know-how to put things together, making the seemingly impossible or unworkable come together and be workable again.

He was a tractor trailer driver for both John Bonham and Herzog Trucking. He later worked for Wayco, Inc. of Waymart.

Having received Christ as his personal Savior in 1958, Russ became very active and faithful serving The Lord in his church for over 60 years; most recently the Crosspoint Bible Church. Early on, Russ served as an Elder and later as a Deacon. He also served as a greeter at the door and the children looked for him to be standing there. Peeking through the glass, he greeted them and treated them as adults. Russ also served as a committeeman for Child Evangelism Fellowship of Wayne and Pike Counties for more than 50 years.

Later years found Russ and Joanna traveling to Arizona and other parts of the country. While in Arizona, he was engaged in woodworking, making furniture at South Western Bible College as a volunteer.

After returning to Pennsylvania permanently, he continued sharpening his skills making furniture, toys for adults and grandchildren alike, as well as furnishings for his church.

Russell will be remembered as a man who loved to be doing and giving of himself to others.

He is also survived by three children: Gary Lee Gillow, Sr., Wayne Earl Gillow, Sr. & Darlene, and RussAnn Joyce Delaney & Dave; three sisters, Doris Brooks & Eston, Betty Guarino, and Jane Utegg; 10 grandchildren: Gary Gillow Jr., Christopher Gillow, Paula Morano, Wayne Gillow, Jr., Shaun Gillow, Jeremy Gillow, Randall Zawisky, Kimberly Greene, Bruce Zawisky, and James Lenga; 17 great-grandchildren: Michael Pepe, Aryana Laude, Christopher Gillow, Jr., Taylor Gillow, Dayna Gillow, Chloee Gillow, Aston Harde, Olivia Gillow, Rhett Gillow, Maressa Zawisky, Jolyn Mohring, Reana Zawisky, Kaitlynn Kelly-Carmichael, Jacob Carmichael, Nolan Zawisky, Emerson Zawisky, and Hudson Lenga; 6 great-great-grandchildren: Matthew Clark, Madisen Clark, Anniyah Zawisky, Alayah Mallery, Emmet Mohring, and Maverick Mohring.

Russell was also preceded in death by two brothers: Irvin Gillow and Kyle Gillow; and one grandson, Jesse Zawisky.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 10:30 AM at Crosspoint Bible Church, 111 Old Salem Pike, Honesdale, PA 18431 with Russell's friend Pastor Daniel Baker officiating.

Viewing will be on Saturday morning from 9:00-10:30 AM in the Crosspoint Bible Church.

Interment with Military Honors will follow in Clinton Center Cemetery, Waymart.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Russell's memory to Wayne-Pike CEF, Inc., PO Box 628, Honesdale, PA 18431 or online at: https://wpcef.org/donate/

Arrangements are entrusted to Howell Family Funeral Home, Inc. Edward R. Howell, Funeral Director, 269 Belmont Street, Waymart, PA 18472. www.HowellFamilyFuneralHome.com