Russell Stephen Etherton

Russell S. Etherton, known all his life as Steve, our beloved father, husband, brother, Stuncle, friend, neighbor and musician departed us unexpectedly on September 15, 2026. Born June 24, 1953 in Japan to Grace and Russell Etherton, he was the oldest of three sons and a graduate of Perry High school in 1971. While at Perry, he sang in the Perry Pipers and on the wrestling team, as well as beginning to play guitar in bands and teach lessons. After spending some time studying Jazz Guitar at the Berklee College of Music, he returned home to Canton to begin a 50+ year career playing live music in the area. After working several jobs installing hi-fi and phones throughout the 80s and 90s, and met his wife, Karen, they were married in 1995, beginning their life and family together in Hartville. Steve soon began working at Woodsy's where he continued his career installing sound systems at area churches, music venues and stores, as well as his largest project: the Kent State University ballroom (twice!). During his time at Woodsy's, he mentored many young people and enjoyed his career being surrounded by his favorite things: guitars, sound gear and people to talk to. He was very involved in Advent Lutheran Church, helping to create the contemporary service and the praise team in its early stages, and then leading the worship band with his and Karen's beloved daughter, Libby. The dad and daughter duo spent the better part of the last 15 years collaborating musically, both together and with the full family band, the Ethertones. After retiring from Woodsy's in 2020, Steve began playing with Triple Play, the local winery playing band that welcomed him with open arms. During his time playing with them, 30 events a summer, Steve gained two additional brothers in Randy and Paul. Continuing to work on sound projects, his last project was redesigning the sound at Advent. Steve is preceded in death by his parents, Grace and Russell, and wife Karen. Survived by brothers Jon (Susan) and Jamie (Gina) Etherton, nieces and nephews Sarah, Kara, Jay, and Isaac, great niece and nephews Micah, Tyler and Jude, and only daughter Libby, as well as many more friends, family and chosen family. Visitation with the family and friends will take place on September 26, 2026 from 1pm-3pm, with a celebration of life to follow, given by good friend and Pastor Robert Cheyney, Jr. at Advent Lutheran Church in Uniontown.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Steve to the Foundation for Music Education (https://www.ohiofoundationformusiceducation.org/donate.html) or to Little People of America (https://lpa.memberclicks.net/index.php?option=com_mcform&view=ngforms&id=2046675#/). In memory of Steve, pick up a guitar for the first time, buy a good pair of headphones, or turn the music up a little louder in the sun.