Russell Carl Loudon
retired funeral director and past owner, Stark Memorial Funeral Home, Salem, Ohio, died November 22, 2020, at age 92. Loudon served his apprenticeship at Eckard Funeral Home in Akron, Ohio, and became a licensed funeral director and embalmer in 1950. In 1956, he purchased part ownership of Stark Memorial from Jack R. Harroff, along with partner James Giffin, who later retired. Loudon became sole owner of Stark Memorial in 1978 and was dedicated to his work for 60 years.
Loudon’s memberships included the Saxon Club, Salem Hose Club, past president and member of Salem Rotary Club, Salem Elks, a 64-year Mason and Al Koran Shrine. He was the last remaining founding member and past president of the Winona Ruritan Club. He was past president of Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, a 25-year member of the Salem Community Hospital Board of Trustees, a Salem City Health Department board member and former chairman of the United Way. He was also honored by Salem Historical Society as the Citizen of the Year in 2018 and given a special award by the chamber of commerce and Beautification Committee for the landscaping that surrounded Stark Memorial.
He is survived by wife Marilyn, daughter Julie and two grandchildren.
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