Russell Charles Carey

Russell Charles Carey, 82, of Cassopolis, died peacefully at home Friday, August 1, 2025 in the presence of his beloved family.

His life began March 14, 1943, in San Antonio, Texas, the oldest of five children born to Russell and Elizabeth Carey. He married Susan Squiers in September 1980, in Cassopolis, to whom he remained faithfully married for 44 years.

Russ was a passionate man, known for his brilliance, creativity and love of adventure. Hard-working, he dedicated his life to providing for his family, as a skilled draftsman and engineer, then autobody repairman. Russ also built his own log cabins in Maine, where he and Susan lived for many years in order to raise their children, later finding a creative outlet as a skilled artist-blacksmith. The last years of Russ’s life were devoted to caring for Susan, who preceded him in death in 2024.

Russ will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his two daughters, Joanna (Sonny) Craig of Dowagiac, Kimberly Grillot of Arkansas; his son Russell (Lisa) Carey II of Edwardsburg; his stepchildren, Conan (Vicki) Michel of Florida, Jessica (Edi) Assoumou of France, Carmen Buoy of Oregon, Robert Samples of Arkansas; beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even several great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Kathleen Madison of Tennessee; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Russ was also preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Martha, Steven and Phillip, and his step-daughter Mona Benson.

Russ will be laid to rest next to Susan in Reames-Norton Cemetery, Cassopolis in the Spring of 2026 when his large family will gather together to honor him and his legacy.