Russell Nawman

It’s with deep sadness that the family of Russell Charles Nawman announce his passing on January 4, 2026, surrounded by family and enveloped in love.

Russell was born on October 9, 1964, in New Carlisle, OH. It was there that his parents, Lowell and June, née Dill, Nawman instilled a strong work ethic; the importance of respecting, honoring, and caring for his elders; love of family and country; and how to celebrate to the fullest.

Russell appreciated life’s simple joys. He loved silly movies, musicals, sci-fi, and music. He relished family trips to Kings Island, hiking at John Bryant State Park, and exploring nearby Yellow Springs. A highlight every year was the Nawman family Fourth of July celebration, filled with family, laughter, and a dazzling fireworks display. Always finding ways to make an animal’s day a little brighter, he greeted every feathered or furry visitor with kindness, creating shelter for a stray cat or keeping the neighborhood birds and squirrels spoiled and happy. Russell cherished giving his time to school activities such as family reading night and breakfast with Santa, as well as coaching local soccer, dodgeball, and volleyball teams. He had a true appreciation for good food, especially vegetarian meals, with a particular fondness for anything featuring potatoes.

More than anything, Russell loved and was deeply devoted to his family. He and his wife Angela Nawman, née Baronda, spent over 28 years together making the ordinary extraordinary: tending to their backyard oasis, moving seamlessly in the kitchen in what seemed to be a well-choreographed routine, and hosting their kids' legendary Christmas parties filled with homemade games, prizes, and a lot of laughs. Russell would undoubtedly say that he and Angela’s proudest, and most magical, accomplishments were their children, Ella Nawman and Reese Nawman. Their home was always filled with Ella and Reese’s friends who were loved and cared for like family. Russell particularly enjoyed raising their families together with Dana and Marla Farbacher and “co-parenting” with Dorothy Baronda and Nathan Lewis.

Many didn’t realize what lay just beneath Russell’s quiet and gentle exterior. Once diagnosed with terminal cancer, a warrior emerged fighting for the precious little moments and most meaningful milestones: Ella and Reese’s college graduation, card games in the park with Angela, Reese and Hope’s wedding, another chance give a dog a good home (he couldn't bear the idea of an old dog living the remainder of his life on a cold concrete floor), watching Supernatural with Ella, lighting up over a fireworks catalogue with Reese, time with his best friend and mother-in-law Marcia Baronda, née White, and, against all odds, a final Thanksgiving and Christmas with his family.

Russell was fueled by his circle of devoted friends, family members, and caretakers including his two children Ella, who never missed a day at the hospital, and Reese, who, among other things, got Russell to Thanksgiving dinner right after he lost the use of his legs; his cousin Barbie Meeker, née Slouffman, who spent countless hours in the hospital and at his bedside; his oncologist Dr. Emily Saul who never gave up and provided as much nourishment for his soul as she did medical care; his brother- and sister-in-law Nathan Lewis and Dorothy Baronda; friends Becca Winters, née Baker, and Jessica Rife, née Householder; neighbor Don Perkins who regularly cut grass and shoveled the drive; the West Jefferson Middle School family; and, his ultimate caregiver, champion, and love-of-his-life, Angela.

Russell will be deeply missed by his wife Angela, children Ella and Reese, daughter-in-law Hope Lewis; siblings Debbie Bagford, née Bray (Beth Howard), and David Nawman (Julie); cousins Bev Tate, née Slouffman (Larry), Barbie Meeker, Betty Wellman, née Slouffman, Richard Slouffman (Susan), Jay Slouffman (Ashley); father- and mother-in-law Leon and Marcia Baronda, brother- and sister-in-law Nathan Lewis and Dorothy Baronda; nephews and niece Andy Nawman, Timmy Nawman, Adam Bagford (Rachel), and Sammy Coleman, née Nawman (Skylar); his beloved dog Rex, grandcats Nathan, Pepper, and Gigi, and by all who had the honor of knowing him—both human and animal.

We find comfort in imagining Russell surrounded by those who went before him: his parents Lowell and June Nawman, nephew Lucas Bagford, grandparents Charles and Bertha Dill and Reese and Bertha Nawman, and grandparents-in-law Francis and Olive White; and receiving lots of kisses and snuggles from treasured pets Sadie, Buster, Tigger, Jo Jo, Marshmallow Stephen, Kashmir, and Victor.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Until then, and always, we invite you to remember Russell by caring for an animal, enjoying a potato dish, cherishing life’s little moments, and creating some magic of your own.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Russell Nawman Memorial Fund https://gofund.me/20a38c747 to help cover the substantial expenses accrued during Russell’s eight-year battle with cancer.

Rader-McDonald-Tidd Funeral Home assisted the family.