Russell F. Byars, 54 of Franklin, passed away at 3:15 p.m. on October 7, 2017, at UPMC Northwest.

He was born in Linwood, California on June 27, 1963, to the late Russell Franklin Vernon Byars and Karen Louise Anderson Litchfield.

Russell was a member of the United States Marine Corps and took great pride in it.

He worked for many years in the construction industry and later on became a calibrator and tester for Liberty Electronics where he was still employed.

Russell married his beloved Wife, Deborah Hasbrouck Byars on September 10, 2017.

Russell was best known as Russ “Rock Bottom” Byars. He was very involved in stone skipping competitions across the country and was instrumental in “Rockin River Fest” held in Franklin each year where he loved teaching children to skip rocks. Russ was also a Guinness World Record holder in stone skipping.

Russell was also an animal lover. He adored his dog Abby and the rabbit he saved from his dog, Martha. Animals always brought him joy and he wanted to save as many as he could.

In addition to his wife, Russell is survived by a son, Derek Byars of Franklin, a stepsister Marlys Litchfield and her spouse Jasmine Elmore of New Hampshire, a stepbrother James Litchfield of California, two nieces and one nephew, and a few very special friends, Deb Hudson, Mike Taylor, John Tavoletti and his wife Dawn, Shawn Isan, Shawn Tenney, Ronnie Beith, and Rex Phillips.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Huff Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 312 W. Park St. Franklin, where family and friends are welcome from 3 pm until 7 pm on Thursday, October 12, 2017.

A funeral service will take place in the funeral home chapel at 11 am on Friday, October 13, 2017, with the Pastor Pat Daugherty, Associate Pastor at Atlantic Avenue United Brethren Church, officiating.

Following the service full military honors will be rendered by the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard.

Memorials may be made in Russell’s name to the Venango County Humane Society, 286 S Main St, Seneca, PA 16346, or an animal rescue of one’s choice.

Online condolences and flowers may be sent to the family by visiting www.HuffFuneral.com