Russell E. Vannest, 79, of St. Clairsville, died Friday, June 22, 2007 at East Ohio Regional Hospital in Martins Ferry.

He was born December 27, 1927 in Glencoe, Ohio, a son of the late Charlie J. and Ethel Mayhugh Vannest.

Russell was a retired coal miner from Y. & O. Coal Company and retired employee of the Richland Township Garage. He was a member of the East Richland Evangelical Friends Church and a member of the former Glencoe United Methodist Church. He was a member of Weyer Lodge # 541 F. & A.M. at Centerville; a member of Weyer Chapter # 515, Order of Eastern Star at Centerville; a member of Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Steubenville; a member of the St. Clairsville Eagles Aerie # 2541 and he was a member of the Sons of the American Legion at St. Clairsville.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Ethel Marie Beals Vannest; two stepsons, Douglas and Bernard Sindledecker; a brother, Charles E. Vannest; and a sister, Mary C. Heddleson.

Surviving are his loving wife, Esther McMahon Vannest; a sister, Janet (Earl) Bishop of Glencoe; five grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

Family and friends will be received at the Toothman Funeral Home in St. Clairsville on Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., where services will be held on Tuesday at 11 a.m. with Rev. Wayne Ickes officiating. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery, St. Clairsville. Masonic Services will be held Monday evening at 6:45 p.m. followed by Eastern Star Services at 7:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the East Richland Friends Church.