Gordon Russell
Bethalto |
Gordon G. Russell, 79, passed away at 5:20am on Monday, May 2, 2016, at Alton Memorial Hospital. He was born on November 14, 1936, in Roxana, Illinois, the son of the late Wayne and A. Hazel (Anderson) Russell. He married the former Carol A. Leady on May 7, 1966, in Rosewood Heights, and she survives. Other survivors include two daughters and a son in law: Kimberly and Tom Anderson of Bloomington, Illinois, Kristine and Greg Brown of Troy, Illinois, six grandchildren: Caleb Estrada, Claudia Brown, Ridge Brown, Adelena Estrada, Jaden Brown, Sage Brown, one brother and sister in law: Philip and Frances Russell of Edwardsville, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family and friends.
Gordon was a graduate of Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and Ranken Technical College. He was employed at Granite City Steel as the supervisor of maintenance for 40 years prior to his retirement. He then was the assistant floor manager for 10 years at Ace Hardware in Bethalto. He was an active member of Wanda United Methodist Church and also attended St. Paul United Methodist Church in Rosewood Heights. He was currently serving as President of the Wood River Kiwanis and was recently awarded the Hixon Award. He was a volunteer at Operation Blessing. He was a veteran of the United States Army and was a member of the Bethalto American Legion. He and his wife Carol were volunteers for Servants On Wheels Ever Ready (SOWERS).
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister: P. Elaine Wood.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. In celebration of his life, memorial visitation will be from 11am until time of memorial services at 1pm on Friday, May 6, 2016, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Pastors Gary Mossman and Daryl Fansler will officiate. Private inurnment will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Wood River Kiwanis, Wanda United Methodist Church, or St. Paul United Methodist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Online guestbook available at www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com.
Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River is in charge of arrangements.
Pitchford Funeral Home
