Robert L. “Bob” Russell, age 90, of Oquawka, Illinois, passed away at
7:15 AM on Monday, December 16, 2019 at the Roseville Rehab and Health
Care Center in Roseville, Illinois. He was born on May 11, 1929 in Holly
Grove, AR, the son of John Christian and Mabel Ione (Brent) Russell. Bob
attended school in Gladstone, Illinois and attended G&O High School. On
February 20, 1973, he married Connie M. Borg in Burlington, Iowa and she
is surviving. Bob was previously married to Pauline Rhoades.
Bob was employed and retired from Gunther Construction doing roadwork.
He had previously worked at the Henderson County Humane Office, as a
farmer, and occasionally as a bartender. Bob loved to hunt and fish. He
also enjoyed shooting pool, bowling, vegetable gardening, and telling
stories with his friends.
Bob is survived by his wife Connie of Oquawka; two daughters, Kathy
(Pat) Hopkins of Oquawka and Ann Russell of Burlington; three sons,
David Russell of Gladstone, John Russell of Gladstone, and Michael
Russell of Oquawka; eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and
five great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Ruth
Dirth of Burlington and Kay West of St. Louis, and one brother, Tom
(Sandy) Russell of Burlington, Iowa. A number of other relatives also
survive. Bob is preceded in death by his parents, one daughter Stephanie
Russell Taylor, on step-daughter Lea Ellen Borg, one grandson Aaron
Russell, one sister Ora Fay Cole, and three brothers, Dean, Melvin, and
Donald Russell.
A Celebration of Life for Robert Russell is planned from 5:00-7:00 PM on
Friday, December 20, 2019 at Mama’s Place in Oquawka, Illinois. As were
Bob’s wishes, cremation is being accorded. A memorial is being
established for the Oquawka Ambulance or the Henderson County Health
Department. For more information, or to leave a remembrance, please
visit www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com.
