Ralph Russell
Jerseyville |
JERSEYVILLE- Ralph Edward Russell, 75, died at 5:45 a.m., Monday, April 5, 2010 at John Cochrans Veterans Hospital in St. Louis, Mo.
He was born in Jerseyville on Jan. 19, 1935, one of four children born to the late George "Bud" and Dorothy M. (Foster) Russell.
Ralph began working as a meatcutter in Carrollton before joining the U.S. Navy serving during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge he returned to his hometown and began a lifelong career as a carpenter, joining his father in the family business, Bud Russell & Sons Construction. In an effort to better serve his family, he also would work in any capacity at Busch's Bowling Lanes in the evenings as well. In his later years, he also was working in general maintenance for the City of Jerseyville, mending and fixing whatever was broke.
He was a lifetime member of the Jerseyville American Legion Post 492, serving as Past Commander and participated in many veterans funerals as a member of the Color Guard.
He married the former June Bain on March 7, 1953 at the home of his parents in Jerseyville, and they have shared the past 57 years together and raised five children.
Surviving are his wife, June; five children & their spouses, Randy & Marla Russell of Jerseyville, Linda & Greg Heitzig of Fieldon, Billy & Cindy Russell and Craig & Beth Russell all of Jerseyville, Amy & Mark Riley of Springfield, Ky.; 10 Grandchildren; 11 Great Grandchildren; a sister, Priscilla Prough of Kane, and a sister in law, Judy Russell of Jerseyville.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert Russell on May 22, 1997, and Roger Russell on Dec. 29, 2006.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. Thursday until time of funeral services at 2 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Longtime friend, Ed Boker will officiate.
Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville with the Jerseyville American Legio Post 492 conducting military rites.
Family & Friends are invited to join Ralph's family at the Elks Lodge in Jerseyville where they will continue to celebrate the life Ralph.
Memorials may be given to the Cruiseaders Foundation, a local group assisting Jersey County children with autism.
Crawford Funeral Home
