Russell Allen Solmes

Russell Allen Solmes, age 75 of Hastings, passed away May 7, 2018 at his home. He was born September 20, 1942 in Blue Island, Illinois. Son of Dewey Russell Solmes and Anna Mae Fridholm. He attended and graduated from Hastings High School in 1960. Russell worked for his father at Dewey's Sales and Service from a young age. He served in the Vietnam from 1964 to 1965 in the U.S. Army. He finished his active duty in 1967 and returned to work with his father. He and his brother, David, bought the business from Dewey when he retired. Russell retired from Dewey's Auto Body, Inc. in August of 2005.

Russell was active in community, church, and scouting events throughout his life. He was an active member of Kiwanis. He was the Branch President, leader of his local congregation, from 1985 to 1987. He was a scout master for nearly 20 years and accumulated a lifetime of scouting awards and achievements, most rewarding of those being able to help young men grow and succeed in both scouting and life.

Russell was preceded in death by both of his parents and both of his in-laws. He is survived by his wife, Dianna Ford Solmes of Hastings, his 6 children (and their spouses): Erin Elizabeth (John Michael) Howarth of Scappoose, OR; Anna Mae (Jon Kent) Hathaway of Carmel, IN; Gabrielle Elaine (Leander Don) Kellogg of Sandy Springs, GA; Jessica Dyan Solmes of Hastings, MI; Levi Daniel (Martina Jeanine) Solmes of Hastings, MI; Isaac Samuel (Kiralee Cromwell) Solmes of Hastings, MI, and his 20 grandchildren: Samantha and Jason Howarth; Taylor, Adam, Nathaniel, and Emily Hathaway; Caleb and Brynn Kellogg; Mark and Austin Walden; Noah, Reuben, Ayla, and Mena Solmes; Lilyah, Annika, Breeya, Natalya, Zayd, and Jasher Solmes. Also his sister, Leslie Ann (David) Solmes-Grunau and brother, David Wayne (Joan) Solmes.

No Memorial contributions are requested.

The Family of Russell Allen Solmes cordially invites those who knew and loved him to celebrate his life on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at 4:00 pm. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 505 N. Airport., Hastings, MI  49058.  We request you bring only your thoughts, prayers and fondest memories of Russ.  Dinner will be served in the Cultural Hall following the service.

Services provided by Girrbach Funeral Home, Hastings, Michigan. To leave online condolences visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net .