William Russell Polk, age 83, of Portage, passed away Monday, September 24, 2012 at Millers Merry Manor in Portage. Russell was a longtime Portage resident and also Marion, Kentucky. He was a US Army Veteran during the Korean Conflict and retired steelworker from US Steel. Russell was also a retired Baptist minister and currently a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church of South Haven.
Russell is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Barbara, son, Randy (Ellen) Polk of Valparaiso, daughter, Ruth (Rich) Mardis, also of Valparaiso, 4 grandchildren: Mike (Andrea) Mardis, David Mardis, Richie Mardis and Kathy (Jon) Boyd; 6 great grandchildren: Taylor, Emma and Jayce Mardis; Nevaeh Barrientes , Aiden Boyd and Cameron Mak.
Funeral services will be held Friday, September 28, 2012 at 11 am at Emmanuel Baptist Church of South Haven, 760 N. McCool Road, South Haven, with Pastor John C. Allen officiating. Burial will follow at Angelcrest Cemetery in Valparaiso. Visitation will be held Thursday from 2-4 & 6-8 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Avenue, Portage, 219- 762-3013 or online at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.