Russell Harr, 72, manager of merchandising for Pepsi

Russell Harr, a retired Pepsi-Cola merchandising manager who served in the Army and Marine Corps, died of cancer Monday at Franklin Square Hospital Center. He was 72.

Mr. Harr, a longtime Essex resident who moved to Crofton in 1997, was born in Woodman, Ky. He was raised in Rarden, Ohio, where he attended public schools.

He worked as a farmhand before enlisting in the Army in 1947. He served in Korea as a military policeman before being discharged in 1950 with the rank of corporal. His decorations included the Army of Occupation Medal and Korean Service Medal with bronze service stars.

In 1952, Mr. Harr enlisted in the Marine Corps and graduated from the 1st Marine Division Machine Gun School. He was a machine gun section leader in Korea until being discharged as a corporal in 1954. His decorations included the National Defense Service Medal-Korean Service and the United Nations Service Medal.

After moving to Baltimore in 1954, Mr. Harr went to work for the Pepsi-Cola Co. as a route salesman. He rose through the ranks to become route manager, district manager and assistant sales manager.

Mr. Harr — who missed only five days of work during his 38-year career with Pepsi — was merchandising manager when he retired in 1992.

He enjoyed working on various home improvement projects in a shop in his garage. He also was a fan of vintage westerns.

Mr. Harr was married in 1953 to the former Delores Watkins, who survives him.

Services were held Friday.

In addition to his wife, survivors include three daughters, Vanessa N. Sudduth of Crofton, Elizabeth M. Nichols of Dundalk and Beverly A. Zulauf of Essex; two brothers, Joseph Harr of Rarden and James Harr of Essex; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.