Robert "Bob" William Russell, 93, of Eureka, Illinois formerly of Metamora, Peoria and Elmwood, went home to the Lord at 7:25 P.M. on June 1, 2019 at Eureka, Illinois.
Christian funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, June 8th at Liberty Bible Church in Eureka. Pastor Tom Zobrist and Pastor Dan Waller will officiate. Visitation will be Friday, June 7th from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Liberty Bible Church and one-half hour prior to the funeral services on Saturday. Private interment will take place at Elmwood Cemetery. Argo-Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Bob was born on July 12, 1925 in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, a son of Irving and Mildred Poole Russell. He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, June E. Russell; his parents; a brother, Stuart Russell; a son, William Russell; a daughter, Barbara Russell Craven; a step-son, Patrick Butler; and a step-daughter, Aynne Butler Mc Learen.
Surviving is one brother, John Russell; a son, James (Faith) Russell; a daughter Susan (Dan) Russell Wetherell; a stepson, Thomas (Susan) Butler, and a stepson, John Butler, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two special friends of the family, Chuck Kennedy and Joyce Hoelzer who were "unofficially adopted" by Bob and June.
Bob joined the US Coast Guard at age 17, serving during WWII in the South Pacific. After discharge, Bob finished his secondary education at Elgin High School after which he attended Northern Illinois College of Optometry graduating in February 1950. Dr. Russell, known as "Doc" during these years, was in optometric practice for 37 years in Freeport, Quincy and Peoria retiring in 1987. He then became a full-time farmer for 18 years near Elmwood. In Bob's words "Those were enjoyable years. Out of the cave at last, and in the sun!" Bob was an excellent sailor, hunter and marksman, fisherman, mechanic and handyman in many crafts. He was a member of Liberty Bible Church and several fraternal organizations and historical societies as well as a member of the Elmwood American Legion Post #638.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Scottish Rite Valley of Peoria, 32⁰ Learning Center, 400 NE Perry Ave, Peoria, IL 61603 or Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, Attn: Ashley Ocasio, 425 Spring Lake Drive, Itasca, IL 60143-2076 or a charity of the donor's choice.
Online tributes and condolences may be made at www.argoruestmanharris.com.
Visitation
JUN
7.
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (CDT)
Liberty Bible Church
1408 Church Rd
Eureka, IL 61530
Visitation
JUN
8.
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM (CDT)
Liberty Bible Church
1408 Church Rd
Eureka, IL 61530
Funeral service
JUN
8.
11:00 AM (CDT)
Liberty Bible Church
1408 Church Rd
Eureka, IL 61530
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