Click here to view the Video Tribute for Russell Russell Paul Geist, age 84, of 605 E Mountain Road, Hegins, passed away Thursday, April 9, 2009 at the Tremont Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was born on Saturday, September 27, 1924 in Hegins Twp, a son of the late Francis Geist and the late Burdelle (Kauffman) Geist. He was a graduate of the former Hegins Twp High School. He retired as a carpenter for the former Klinger Construction, Pine Grove; he had also been a self employed carpenter and had worker for Herman Miller Construction, Hegins. He was a member of Christ United Church of Christ, Fountain. He was also a member of Carpenters Union Local 214. He was preceded in death a brother Charles Geist; a step brother Wayne Minnich; and a sister Helen Reidler. He is survived by his wife, Betty M (Lesher) Geist, to whom he was married for 65 years. He is also survived by a son, Leroy A Geist and his wife, Cynthia of Hegins; a daughter, Betty L Searles and her husband Don of Garner, NC; a sister, Elsie Neumeister of Pottsville; a step sister, Florence Wetzel of Millersburg; six grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, and a great great grandson. Services were held at the Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Valley View, on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Claude Schach officiating. A viewing was held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial was made in Fountain Community Cemetery, Fountain. Memorial contributions can be made to Pinnacle Health Hospice, 301 One Norwegian Plaza, Pottsville PA 17901. Condolences can be left for the family at www.buffingtonreed.com .