Tributes

Pastor Russell H. Whitener, 75, of New Martinsville, WV, faithful servant of Jesus, was surrounded by his family at his home when he received his eternal reward September 24, 2022. Born February 27, 1947, in Hickory, NC, Russell was the son of Henry & Madlean Whitener. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one grandson, Zechariah Casteel. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, love of his life for 56 years: Judy Graves Whitener; two brothers, Allen Whitener of Bastrop, TX, and Randy Whitener of Las Vegas, NV; a sister, Anita Sue Arthur of Bastrop, TX; two daughters, Jewelie (Paul) Casteel of Blanchester, OH and Angela (Mark) Day of Wheeling, WV; three grandsons, Nathaniel (Amanda) Casteel of Middletown, OH, Joshua Casteel of Washington, D.C. and Jude Day of Wheeling, WV; four granddaughters, Abigail (Micah) Casteel of Cincinnati, OH, Sarah Casteel of Blanchester, OH, Ivy Day and Marlowe Day of Wheeling, WV; two great-grandsons, Eli Casteel & Lincoln Casteel and a host of nieces, nephews, and other extended family, church family and close friends. Known to most as Pastor Russ, he was a humble man of God, devoted husband, dad, and grandfather affectionately known as Big Pops. One of his great joys was having all his family together with a houseful of laughter, though his true passion was doing the Lord's work. Russell graduated from Gulf Coast Bible College in 1971 with a BA in Bible & Theology, held a MA in Biblical Studies from Wesley Seminary in 1981 and a Masters in Divinity from Anderson University in 1990. For almost 50 years, Russ served as an evangelical Pastor in the Church of God (Anderson, IN). He served alongside many great men and women of God in churches throughout the country, specifically churches in Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Indiana, Illinois, Tennessee, Louisiana, and his last ministry in New Martinsville, West Virginia for over 14 years (2002-2016). His joy was found in preaching the Gospel, visiting, teaching, and discipling all generations and specifically men for the furthering and continuance of the Kingdom of God. He was active in Church of God State Leadership offices, chaplaincy, church planting, mentoring, was a friend to all, and faithful man of God who will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. His heart’s desire was for everyone to come to faith in Jesus, love one another and be more like Jesus. (Philippians 2:5-11) Family will receive friends on Wednesday from 11am until the time of the funeral services at 1pm at the New Martinsville First Church of God (Anderson, IN) 255 Russell Avenue, New Martinsville, WV with Pastors Dan Betts & Paul Casteel officiating. Graveside services and burial will be in Northview Cemetery. Friends & family will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: First Church of God 255 Russell Avenue, New Martinsville, WV.

Tributes

Pastor Russell H. Whitener

February 27, 1947 - September 24, 2022