Russell Lee Tappan, Jr.

Russell Lee Tappan, Jr., age 72 of Mio, Michigan, passed away at his home on Saturday, March 14, 2026.

Russell was born in Detroit, Michigan on April 6, 1953 to Russell Lee and Virginia Louise (Barlow) Tappan, Sr. He grew up in Garden City, Michigan and graduated from Garden City East High School with the Class of 1972. Russell married his high school sweetheart, Kathy, in Garden City in 1973. 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. He also served on several recycling and safety committees in the area. Russell enjoyed hunting, fishing, the outdoors, spending time with his family, and playing cards. He liked having coffee with his friends at The Paddle Inn and driving his many Amish friends and acquaintances wherever they needed to go. He will always be remembered for his great sense of humor.

Russell is survived by his wife Kathy; his children: Russell Lee (Merianne)Tappan III of Comins, MI and Kevin William (Christina) Tappan of Mio, MI; his sister Sally Day of Lansing, MI; 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 tradition of helping others, Russell has donated his body to the University of Michigan Medical School. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

The family of Russell Tappan would like to express a big “Thank You” to Hospice Compassus.

These arrangements were handled by Lashley Funeral Home, Mio, MI.