Russell Roy Duley

Russell Roy Duley, 90, of Rensselaer, passed away Tuesday morning, September 29, 2015 at Franciscan Health Rensselaer. He was born in Corydon, Indiana on March 9, 1925, the son of the late Roy and Goldia (Rhodes) Duley. Russ grew up in southern Indiana and moved to Rensselaer when he was 13. He enlisted in the United States Navy and served on an LSM in the Philippines during WWII from 1943-46. After his service in the Navy, he graduated from Rensselaer High School in 1946 and went on to earn an associates degree from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois. In 1947, he married his wife of 60 years, Phyllis Winters. She preceded him in death in 2007.

Russ drove a truck for Coca-Cola for 10 years, and ran a service station on south College Avenue for several years. He drove a school bus for 13 years and worked in maintenance for the Rensselaer Central School Corporation, retiring in 1990. He was a charter member of the Rensselaer Church of the Nazarene. Russ enjoyed fishing, camping, boating and spending time with family and friends at his cabin on Lake Shafer. He also enjoyed building things, and built several homes in Rensselaer.

On April 26, 2008, at the Rensselaer Church of the Nazarene, Russ married Dorothy (Parks) Tow Duley, and she survives. Also surviving are one step-son, Gary (Connie) Tow; four grandchildren: Nicole (Jayson) Clore, and Heather, Jacob and Haley Tow; two great grandchildren: Flynn and Grant Clore; one brother, David (Shirleyann) Duley; one brother-in-law, Ralph Tow; two sisters-in-law: Dede and Audrey Duley; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by: his parents; first wife Phyllis; two brothers; Avril and Mack Duley; sister Gladys Tow; and an infant sister.

Friends may call on Thursday, October 1, 2015 from 3-7 p.m. at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Friday, October 2, 2015 at 10 a.m. with Rev. Lisa Ulrich officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Rensselaer Church of the Nazarene or the organization of the donor’s choice. Share memories and condolences online at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.