Russell H. Oathout
What do you remember about Russell? Share your stories and photos here, and invite others to come share their memories.
Russell H. Oathout, 79, St. Petersburg, Florida, went to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on May 24, 2021. Born in Troy, NY on August 9, 1941 to Walter and Helen Oathout, he graduated from Shaker High School in 1959. He was voted the Most Friendly member of his senior class and that quality, along with his sense of humor, defined his life. He shared his big heart with everyone he met. Russ served in the United States Navy from 1959 to 1961, went to Sonar School in Key West and then served on the USS Thomas J. Gary out of Newport, R.I. He attended Hudson Valley Community College and worked at State Bank of Albany, where he met his wife Kathleen. They were married in April, 1969 and became Amway Gold Direct Distributors before moving to St. Petersburg in 1976.
Russ won many sales awards for managing area GNC stores; then worked with the St. Petersburg AAA Motor Club for a total of 21 years as a membership representative and renewal specialist. He was an active member of Faith Covenant Church, assisting in many areas including treasurer for Pryme Tymer's (seniors). In his retirement years, he became an artist, painting landscapes for his Thanksgiving & Christmas cards and gifting paintings to friends. He was also a self-taught and gifted organist. Russ showed much strength and courage as he endured treatment for cancer until the Lord called him home. He enjoyed 52 years of marriage to the love of his life, Kathleen Smith Oathout, who he actively supported through her years of community service.
He is survived by his wife and cousins: Doug & Mildred Canfield, East Greenbush, NY; Beverly Allen, Diane Murphy, Latham, NY; Lisa & Robert Upton, Ballston Spa, NY; Garry Tribley, Saratoga, NY. And, his wife's nephews and nieces in the Port Jervis, NY area.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be welcomed for the Faith Covenant Church Benevolence Fund, 150 62nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33702, where a Celebration of Life was held for Russ on June 12.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 19, 11 am, Bowen & Parker Bros. Funeral Home, 97 Old Loudon Rd, Latham, NY, with burial following in the family plot, Albany Rural Cemetery, Menands, NY.
Love you to heaven - and then forever...Kath. On line guestbook @ www.brettfuneralhome.net