Russell Ameter, M.D.

Lieutenant Colonel Russell K. Ameter, M.D., USAF, Retired, died Saturday, August 6, 2022, at the North Woods Village Memory Care in Kalamazoo. He was born August 17, 1946, in Bryan, Ohio.  He was the son of Russell K. and Nancy Moore (Roe) Ameter.  He retired from the Air Force in August 2006 after 20 years of service. His military career began in August of 1966 when he enlisted in the Navy and became a hospital corpsman. After the necessary training, he was sent to the First Marine Air Wing in Danang, Vietnam where he flew medical evacuation missions in 1968. From there he was sent to Sigonella, Sicily for the remainder of his enlistment. He later finished his undergraduate degree and eventually went to medical school and a family practice residency. When he finished his residency, he joined the Michigan Air National Guard in Battle Creek and eventually became a flight surgeon. He transferred to the Air Force Reserve at Selfridge Air National Guard Base as a flight surgeon until he retired. His military career spanned 40 years with some breaks in service. His flying experience includes twelve different aircraft, 600 plus flight hours and seven air medals. Russ went on to build two aircraft and owned 2 others. Russ and Darlene enjoyed being snowbirds with their 5 ^th wheel. They split their time between Michigan and Alabama. Russ enjoyed supporting Battle Creek Central Bearcat athletics as Team Physician.  Russ enjoyed spending time with his dogs, family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Darlene Ameter of Three Rivers; daughter Sarah Ameter of Kalamazoo; three sons: Rusty (Sarah) Ameter of Lincoln, CA, Andy (Elena) Ameter of Kalamazoo and Stuart (Erin Tornello) Ameter of Kalamazoo; three step-children: Scott (Jessica) Warner of Marshall, LeeAnn (Mark) Middleton of Traverse City and Nicole Fowler and her fiancé Jim Schumacher of Erlanger, KY; twelve grandchildren; a brother Tac (Amy) Ameter of Blacklick, OH; two sisters: Mary Ann Ameter of Columbus, OH and Salley Longley of Edmond, OK; many nieces and nephews. A private graveside service will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery. The family requests that memorial contributions be directed to ProMedica Hospice, 8075 Creekside Drive, #120, Portage, MI 49024-5390 or The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516. Arrangements by the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home and Cremation Services. www.henryfuneralhome.org