Russell Lee Tappan, Jr., age 72 of Mio, Michigan, passed away at his home on Saturday, March 14, 2026. Born in Detroit on April 6, 1953 to Russell Lee and Virginia Louise (Barlow) Tappan, Sr., he grew up in Garden City and graduated from Garden City East High School with the Class of 1972. In 1973 he married his high school sweetheart, Kathy, in Garden City, and the couple moved to Mio in 1984.
Russell worked as a line worker and safety inspector for Proto Tube in Mio. He was an active member of the Mio Dummy Club and the Mio Moose Lodge, and he served on several local recycling and safety committees. He found great joy in hunting, fishing, being outdoors, spending time with his family, and playing cards. He was known for sharing coffee with friends at The Paddle Inn, cheerfully driving his many Amish friends and acquaintances wherever they needed to go, and for his wonderful sense of humor.
He is survived by his wife Kathy; his children, Russell Lee (Merianne) Tappan III of Comins, Michigan and Kevin William (Christina) Tappan of Mio; his sister Sally Day of Lansing; his grandchildren Devon, Cole, Peyton (Molly), Noah, and Jude; and his great-grandchildren Sebastian and Paxton. He was preceded in death by his parents. In keeping with his lifelong spirit of helping others, Russell donated his body to the University of Michigan Medical School. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
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