Russell Warren Dern, of Xenia, died Saturday, June 7, 2025 at his home.

He was born April 27, 1953, and raised in Springfield Ohio, son of Jack William Dern and Ruth Warren Dern, Russ graduated from North High School in 1971.  He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Ohio State University in 1975, where he was awarded the Phi Beta Kappa Key that same year.  It was there he met his wife, Cheryl.  He went on to complete a PhD. in Clinical Psychology from Ohio University in 1980.  For 40 years he worked for Warren County Mental Health (now Solutions) where he later became Chief Clinical Officer and then Executive Director, retiring in June 2024.

A strong supporter of the arts, he was active at Xenia Area Community Theatre as actor, director and sponsor.  Russell was a regular patron of Dayton Philharmonic Symphony.  He was a dedicated fan of The OSU Buckeyes and The Columbus Blue Jackets.  Russell also enjoyed cooking, golf with son Jeff and reading.

He is survived by his wife, Cheryl, of 47 years; son, Jeffrey Warren Dern; grandson, Peter Warren Dern; brother, Roger Wesley Dern; and nieces, Stephanie Dern Bloor and Valerie Dern Bir.

Memorial service will be held 4:00 PM Monday June 16th, at McColaugh Funeral Home in Xenia, where visitation will be held from 3:00 PM until the time of service.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Xenia Area Community Theater, 45 E. Second Street, Xenia, OH 45385 or the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance, 126 North Main Street, Suite 210, Dayton, OH 45402.