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John Russell Yowell

WESTLAND — John Russell Yowell, 77, of Westland passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on February 22, 2021, after a difficult battle with heart disease.

John was born on July 10, 1943, to John and Mary (Viaro) Yowell in Fulton.

After graduating from Calumet High School in 1963, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was assigned to the Atlantic Fleet, completing operations in the Mediterranean Sea on the U.S.S. Notable, where he was part of a special mission to recover a lost, unarmed nuclear bomb.

After his time in the service, John went on to work as a skilled tradesman at Ford Motor Company’s Livonia Transmission Plant from 1966-2004, completing his apprenticeship at Henry Ford College and associate degree at Lawrence Technological University.

John was a gifted athlete and competitor, playing football and hockey in his earlier years and becoming an avid bowler and golfer later in life. He also enjoyed playing card games, such as euchre and poker. John loved sharing these hobbies with family and friends. He was also passionate about scouting, serving as an assistant Scoutmaster in Boy Scout Troop 782 for many years.

John is survived by his former spouse and friend, Maria (nee Gonzalez); their children, Mari Cris (Will), Jonathan (Elizabeth), and Daniel (Rebecca); their grandchildren, Joseph, Elisa, Alexander, and Charlotte; and his siblings, Mary, LaVerne, and William.

A celebration of John’s life will be held virtually on Zoom on Saturday, March 20, 2021, at 3 p.m. If you would like to attend, please email jrymemorial@yahoo.com and we will forward the link.

Memorial donations in John’s honor can be made to the following organizations: Boy Scouts of America, Disabled American Veterans, Living & Learning Enrichment Center, and Saint Mary’s Foundation.