Harry “Russell” Murray, of Monmouth, Illinois passed away on January 24, 2022, at home.
Russell was born on August 6, 1948 in Hannibal, Missouri to Harry Eugene and Louise (nee Rubison) Murray Hank. He moved with his family to Galesburg, Illinois in 1953 and later moved to Monmouth, Illinois in 1955. He was raised and educated in Monmouth. He was in Cub Scouts and Boys Scouts. He attended the Monmouth Public Schools and graduated in 1966.
Russell served in the Army for a tour of duty in Vietnam from 1969 to 1971. After his service in the Army, he returned to Monmouth and worked at worked at Outdoor Motor in Galesburg. Russell moved to Boulder City, Nevada where he worked for the Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation at the Hoover Dam Facility for 31 years.
Boating on the Mississippi River and fishing were some of Russell’s favorite pastimes. Russell owned his favorite car which was a Corvette. A fond memory he would share, was winning a dream contest where he met Taylor Swift backstage following a concert. He returned to Monmouth in June of 2022 and was enjoying remodeling his home at the time of his death.
He is survived by his mother, Louise Murray Hank of Monmouth, Illinois; his sisters, Paula (Larry) Coats of Pagosa Springs, Colorado; Kathryn Coursey of, Galesburg, Illinois and Carol Ann Murray of San Clemente, California; his brother, Bryan (Linda) Murray of Monmouth, Illinois. Nephews surviving are Harry (Heather) Blumberg, Joseph (Lauren) Blumberg, James (Layla) Coats, Robert (Jennifer) J. Coursey, Matthew C.(Lindsay) Coursey, Megan (Adam) Dubin, Melinda (Nicholas) Murray Gomez and Rebecca (Tim) Murray White.
He was preceded in death by his father, Harry Eugene Murray and brother-in-law, Stephen Coursey. Cremation rites were accorded. Interment will be at Monmouth Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials may be made for First United Methodist Church of Monmouth elevator fund. Turnbull Funeral Home of Monmouth, Illinois is in charge of the arrangements.
Carleane Curtis
May 26, 2026
