Russell Clayton Cantler, 71, of Boonsboro, MD, passed away February 5, 2026, at Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown.

Born January 20, 1955, in Olney, MD, he was the son of the late Delmer Charles and Annie Elizabeth (Thompson) Cantler.

He was a skilled carpenter by trade and also served with the Montgomery County Parks and Planning Commission as a maintenance supervisor, working at Little Bennett Reginal Park, Clarksburg, MD, retiring in 2010. He was a member of the Lazy H Hunting Club and the Sons of the American Legion in Boonsboro. In his free time, he enjoyed fast cars, attending car shows, Bluegrass music and spending time outdoors hunting, fishing and playing horseshoes.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah Ann (Haines) Cantler; two daughters, Teresa Morton and Jessica Sickle; four grandchildren, Rebecka Cantler, Joshua Brown, Matthew Sickle, Jr., and Julissa Sickle; his sister, Marlene Friend; his brother, Rodney "Buck" Cantler; and his many, many close friends and family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Omie "Libby" Johnson, Joanne Smith, and Barbara Burdette, and his brothers, Benjamin Cantler, Joseph Cantler, Howard Cantler, and William Cantler.

At Russell's request, there will be no services. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.