Russell Gatten, Jr., age 77, of Mt. Pleasant passed away Friday, April 8, 2016, at St. Mary's Hospital of Michigan in Saginaw.

Funeral Services for Russell will be held at Clark Family Funeral Chapel on Saturday, April 16, at 11 a.m. with Deacon Larry Fussman officiating. A Luncheon will immediately follow in the Reflections Reception Center. Interment will follow in Memorial Gardens at a later date. The family will receive friends on Friday, April 15, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Visitation will continue the day of the service from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Envelopes will be available at the funeral chapel.

Russell was born on January 15, 1939, in Mt. Pleasant, the son of Russell, Sr. and Sarah "Olive" (Sweebe) Gatten. He married Esther Benic on June 24, 1961. Russell worked at the Mt. Pleasant Speedway for over 40 years. He played in the Central Michigan Area Community Band for 15 years and was employed with ProCom 2 way Communications for 30 years, leaving both to care for his wife, Esther.

Russell is survived by his wife, Esther; children, Vicky (Tom) Dillman of Shepherd, Kathy (Louis) Chavez of Glendora, CA, and Ricky Gatten of Mt. Pleasant; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Kathleen Gatten of Riverdale; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Russell was preceded in death by his sons, Ronnie Thren and Timmy Gatten; parents; and brother, Jimmy Gatten.