Russell L. Counterman

Russell L. “Bud” “TBone” Counterman, 86, passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026 in Haven Health of Paris, Illinois. He was born in West Terre Haute on September 27, 1939 to Russell “Buck” Counterman and Laura Lee Counterman.

Russell served in the United States Air Force from 1962-1966 and was stationed in Germany and was a member of the Mach 1 Club. He was a railroad engineer from 1968- 1992 before retiring from Canadian Pacific Railroad. He was a former member of the Sycamore Model A Club and enjoyed taking his Model A to the Newport Hill Climb. Russell was known for his quick wit, many card tricks, as well as teaching his children and many other family members how to drive. Russell was also a member of The Tabernacle of Praise Church in New Goshen, Indiana.

Russell is survived by his son Troy Counterman and daughters Carla Hamm, Tracy Shelley, and Christina Tayman, also by his grandchildren; Misti Karas (Dorian), Justin Robinson (David), and Cameron Wright (Joshua). Also surviving are his great grandchildren; Saryn Karas, Evan Karas, Autumn Wright, Levi Wright, and Emery Wright, two brothers, Herb Counterman (Linda), and Joey Heflin (Candy), as well as his two sisters, Marcia Coon and Julie Davis (Dave), and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Cheryl Counterman, his parents, and son Russell Counterman, Jr. (Rocky). Also preceding him in death was two brothers, Butch Counterman and Wayne Counterman, as well as six sisters; Rosemary Ritchey, Margaret James, Shirley Grassick, Doris Armstrong, Brenda Lawrence, and Duronda DeBuque.

Russell’s family would like to say a special thank you to Nurse Teaki Bryan, and all the nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants at Haven Health in Paris, Illinois, as well as the Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants at Transitions Hospice for their exceptional and loving care.

Funeral services will be held at Fitzpatrick Funeral Home, 220 North 3rd St., West Terre Haute, In on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 1:00 PM, with Rev. John Wheeler officiating. Burial will follow in Pleasantview Cemetery in Tecumseh, IN where military honors will be provided. Visitation is scheduled for Friday from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM in the funeral home.

Online condolences can be left at: www.fitzpatrick-funeralhome.com