IN MEMORIAM
Russell A. Southard Sr., 96; WWII Vet
Supervised Major Construction Projects
OTEGO – Services are planned later this month for Russell Anderson Southard Sr., 96, a WWII veteran who helped build the Downsville Dam and supervised other major construction projects while raising six daughters and a son in Otego. He died Monday, Dec. 5, 2016, at the Oxford Veterans Home.
He was born Sept. 11, 1920, one of four sons of Lou and Bethel (Anderson) Southard. He married Marguerite Smith on Oct. 22, 1942, in the Otego Presbyterian Church. Together they raised a family of seven. She died Aug. 28, 1986.
He lived in Oneonta until 1938, when his family moved to the family farm in Otego. From that time on, he was proud to call Otego his home. He was drafted into the Navy in February 1944; was a signalman 3C on the USS Roche, a destroyer escort out of Norfolk, Va., and was honorably discharged in December 1945.
Like many returning World War II veterans, he worked to get America back on its feet. After working at Bendix in Sidney, by age 27 he was the carpenter foreman on the Downsville Dam. He worked 28 years for Holloway & Associates, 15 of them as a superintendent. Some of the projects he was involved with included hospitals; schools; banks; nursing homes; and creameries.
While working full-time, he also built four new houses and renovated a fifth for his expanding family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He will be well remembered for his never ending devotion to “doing” for his family. He loved to be around people, enjoyed traveling and always had a story or joke to tell.
He was proud to be a charter member of the Otego American Legion. His membership spanned 71 years. He was also a member of the Otego Presbyterian Church and the Carpenters Union, and a past member of the Otego Fire Department.
He is survived by daughters, Mrs. Sheryl (Donald) Wayman of Newport News, Virgina, Nancy Southard of Conway, S.C., Mrs. Sandra (Jody) Lais of Sprakers, Mrs. Susan (Michael) Davidson of Conway, S.C., Mrs. Stephanie (Edwin) Frazier of Unadilla; and son, Russell A. Southard Jr., the Oneonta Common Council member and former acting mayor, and his wife Tammy..
Russ is also survived by sister-in-law, Jean Southard; cousin, Dick (Joyce) Anderson; several nieces and nephews; and close family friend, Pat Hosford. He is also survived by grandchildren, Matthew (Stacey) Wayman, Christian (Roxanne) Wayman and Justin (DeLevia) Wayman, Pamela Joy (Casey) Beck, Heather (Jeanette) Moore, Daniel Lais, Reisa, Brandon and Tyler (Kayla Wong) Southard, Mike (Lori), Sara and Courtney Davidson, Jillian, Tiffany, Cassidy and Mallory Frazier. He is also survived by great grandchildren, Brianne and Baylor Wayman, Avery and Piper Wayman, Ashley and Blakeleigh Wayman, Naava Moore, Greyson and Max Beck, Kira and Sam Davidson, Bryler Southard, and Vayda Southard.
He is predeceased by a daughter, Jean Marie Southard Moore; grandson, Brian Wayman; and his three brothers, Kendall, Stuart and Howard.
In accordance with his wishes he is being cremated. Calling hours will be from 6 to 8 p.m.,Thursday, Dec. 29, at the Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oneonta. A memorial service celebrating his life will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 30, at the Otego Presbyterian Church, 16 River St., Otego.
Those wishing to honor his life are asked to please consider making a donation to the Otego Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 23, Otego, NY 13825; Otego American Legion, P.O. Box 256, Otego, NY 13825; or take some time out of your day to visit someone in a nursing home.
To light a candle or send an online condolence, please visit www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com.
