Rondal Russell

Visitation will be held at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home in Decatur, IL, from 6 to 8 P.M., Friday, August 20, 2010. Funeral services will also be held at the funeral home at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, August 21, 2010. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Decatur, IL. Memorials may be made in Rondal Russells honor to Cancer Care Specialists Charitable Fund.Rondal was born to Carter and Laura Russell in Sulfur Lick, KY on September 12, 1929. He grew up in Kentucky until the age of 11 when he and his family settled in Decatur, IL. Rondal attended John Hills School. He worked on the Russell gang for the railroad with his father and brother Roy at an early age. Following his work on the railroad, Rondal was employed with Wagner Castings, and Houdaille-Hershey factory. When Caterpillar Tractor Company came to Decatur, IL in the 50's he was hired in and worked until his retirement in 1986, after 30 years. Rondal was an avid fisherman and during his retirement years you could find him at Decatur Lake below the old dam, bringing in white bass fish in the early hours of the morning. He also enjoyed his back yard garden every summer, giving his vegetables that he grew to family and friends.Rondal met his lifelong companion Jeanette (Bone) Russell in May 1956 and they were wed on November 12, 1960. Together they had three children Brenda Lynette Russell, Randall Lee Russell and Marcella Ann Russell. The youngest, Marcella Ann passed away on January 29, 1965. His daughter Brenda married and she gave him two grandchildren, Lora Pilcher and Stephen Pilcher of Decatur, IL. His son Randy married and gave him another grandchild Alisia Russell of Troy, MO. He took an active role in his children and grandchildrens lives, including helping the Boy Scouts with his son.Rondal and Jeanette attended Trueblood Memorial United Methodist Church until it closed. They are now a member of Christ United Methodist Church. Rondal is a member of UAW Retirees Local #751.Rondal has one brother Roy Russell and wife Norma of Taylorville, IL, sisters Maxine Seiler of Cambria, IL, Clarine Compton of Decatur, IL; and many nieces and nephews. His parents and two sisters are deceased.We the family would like to give a special thank you to Gale & Debbie with the DMH Hospice Care and Dr. M. Perdekamp, Cancer Care Center, and Dr. M. Khan for their wonderful care they gave Rondal. We also want to thank the staff in the Chemo Department at Cancer Care, especially Karen, R.N.Rondal will be missed by all. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and brother. "
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