CRESWELL, N.C. – Rev. Russel D. Hande, 41, of Creswell, N.C. passed away Friday, April 28, 2006, in Corinth. He was born April 28, 1965, in Trenton, Mich., the son of Harry and Evelyn Hande. Sergeant Russel Hande served 12 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and was a veteran of the first Persian Gulf War, serving as a helicopter crew chief on the H-46 helicopter. After leaving the Marine Corps, Russ entered the ministry and was an ordained bishop with the Church of God, Cleveland, Tenn. Russ served as an associate pastor to the congregations of the Lexington Park Church of God, Lexington Park, Md., the Park Avenue Church of God in Portland and the Faith Temple Church of God, Belfast. At the time of his death he was the senior pastor of the Cherry Church of God, Creswell, N.C. He was also a member of the board of directors for Souls Harbor Ministries. Russ is predeceased by his mother, Evelyn Hande Morris; a stepmother, Verna Hande; and a stepfather, Wesley Morris. He is survived by his wife, Bethany (Libby) Hande; his children, Zachary, Abigail, Hannah and Luke Hande; his father, Harry Hande; his brothers, Steve Hande and his wife, Debbie, of Monroe, Mich., Denny Hande and his wife, Carla, of Riverview, Mich., Terry Hande and his wife, Mary, of Southgate, Mich. and Ron Hande and his wife, Trina, of Brentwood, Tenn.; a stepbrother, Skip Roush and his wife, Lori, of Trenton, Mich.; and several nieces and nephews. Friends are invited to call 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 2, at the Faith Temple Church of God, Lincolnville Avenue, Belfast where a funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday with Russ’s father-in-law, the Rev. Rick Libby and grandfather-in-law the Rev. Ron Libby officiating. Burial will take place 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Corinthian Cemetery, Corinth. Those wishing to make memorial donations may do so to the Souls Harbor Ministries, P.O. Box 275, Corinth, ME 04427. Arrangements are under the care of the Crabiel-Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Ave, Belfast.
REV. RUSSEL D. HANDE
