- Date Of Birth: April 18, 1964
- Date Of Death: August 3, 2017
- State: Indiana
Russ Eicks, as he was known to family and friends, will be laid to rest at Marion National Cemetery with full military honors.
Russ had many interests, but his proudest achievement was his time in the U S Army as an Airborne Ranger.
Russ’s life was permanently altered when he was injured doing the thing that he loved, jumping out of perfectly good airplanes.
Russ never lost his love for the Military regardless of his disabilities. He was a proud veteran and patriot.
Russ was a member of VFW Post 7130.
Russ had many hobbies. He was a master wood turner, making beautiful objects on his wood lathe. He loved exotic birds. He had vast knowledge of them and maintained many beautiful birds in his home. They were like family to him and he loved showing family and friends how beautiful and intelligent they were.
Russ loved to play pool. He was very talented at the game and played on many local leagues. He made many friends within the pool circuit and will be greatly missed. But Russ’s biggest accomplishment was his battle against Multiple Sclerosis. He never let it win. He lived without limitation in direct defiance of the disease that would completely alter his ability to have a normal life. He fought a valiant fight and will be remembered for his strength. Part of Russ’s heart will live on in a very special friend. His faithful companion, Dukie Dog. Duke will continue to be loved and treasured with the same love that Russ bestowed on him.
Russ also leaved behind a beautiful African Grey Parrot Nikki.
Russ leaves behind many family and friends to miss him. He is survived by his mother, Elizabeth (Tomi) Manning, Stepmother Gail Shimer. Three brothers, David wife Nicole EIcks, Shawn wife April Eicks, and Matthew wife Keri Shimer. Three sisters Cheryl Garmon partner Mark Graves, Melissa husband Jeff Vautaw, and Dawn husband Patrick Harless.
Russ is also survived by Uncle Gary wife Sue Shimer, Aunt Shirley husband Carlton Smith, Aunt Susanne husband John Townsend. Cousins Patricia, John Jr, Robbie, Ronald and Brian Good friend and Nephew Mike Mathis. Nephews Nicolas Eicks, Caden EIcks, Shane Jenkins, David Harless, Robert Harless, Aaron Harless, Christopher Harless, Breandan Harless, David Harless, Garett Shimer, Trysten Shimer, Eli Shimer, Shawn EIcks, Noah Lamm, Bentley Lephew, and John Lephew Nieces Danielle EIcks, Carli Eicks, Sarah Arthur, Miranda Arthur, Rachel Eicks, Olivia Lamm, Abigail Lamm, Danielle Lephew, Brittany Eicks, Amber Bailey, Lisa Marie Harless, Sarah Harless, Maddy Harless, Isabell Bailey, Alaura Bailey, and Devanie Eicks.
Russ was proceeded in death by his Father Theadore Shimer and Stepfather John Eicks and a brother Robert Shimer.
