Smyrna, DE – E. Russell Rash, 88, of Felton, Del., passed away on Feb. 2, 2026, at the Evergreen Post Acute Nursing Home in Smyrna.
Mr. Rash was born in Milford, Del., to the late Benjamin and Norma Lee Rash.
As a teenager and young man, Mr. Rash worked for his father, who owned the Felton Mobile Center, in the 1950s and 1960s. As one of the only stations in town, Mr. Rash met and knew almost everyone in the community.
From that point forward, Mr. Rash’s entire life was devoted to harness racing. He was always with his horses as a trainer and a driver for over 50 years, finally retiring in 1990. Most of his racing career was spent on Long Island, N.Y., where he raced mostly at Yonkers and Roosevelt Raceways. His motto was if you could race here on these tracks, you could race anywhere.
Mr. Rash will be remembered as a good and humble man who could make you laugh, tell you lots of stories, but also would tell you like it was. His toughness, love of the harness industry and his family will forever be missed.
He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Rash; son, Russell J. Rash (Lori), and a daughter, Tami R. Rash.
Services and burial were private.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home, please visit www.melvinfuneralhome.com to express or send condolences.