Published on June 13, 2025 4:24 pm
Last Updated on July 13, 2025 3:57 pm
Charles Edward Russell Jr., age 95, of Effingham, Illinois, passed away at 9:33 a.m. on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at home surrounded by his family.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 10:30AM at Edgewood Christian Church with Masonic rites before the memorial service. Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham is assisting the family. The family requests no flowers but donations in Charles’ memory can be sent to Shriners Hospital for Children or Edgewood Christian Church, P.O. Box 12, Edgewood, Illinois, 62426. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
Charles was born on July 18, 1929 in Jackson County, Illinois, the son of Charles Edward and Clara Mae (Lenon) Russell. He married Linda McVicar on August 11, 1979 in Dieterich, Illinois, and she survives. Charles graduated from Bush High School in Bush, Illinois in 1946. Charles served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was a teamster for 42 years. He worked for Cassens until his retirement. Charles was a Masonic member for over 50 years, Lodge #0484 in Edgewood, Illinois. He was also a member of the American Legion for over 50 years and a Shriner for 35 years. Charles was an avid John Deere antique tractor collector and a master genuine junk collector. He enjoyed going to antique tractor shows and farming.
Charles is survived by his wife, Linda Russell of Effingham; children, Charles (Genevieve) Russell and Rex (Suntah) Russell; stepchildren, Kimberly Carter of Effingham, Cindy (Todd) Pike of Effingham, and Randy (Danee) Ebeling of Newton; sister, Nancy Ebersol; grandchildren, Ryan Russell, Lillian Russell, Abigail Russell, Zachary (Tiffany) Carter, Jacob (Becky) Carter, Brooke (Nick) Ebeling, Rachael Glenn, Blake (Ashley) Ebeling, James Wright, Jeff Wright, and Lorinda Wright; great-grandchildren Benjamin, Parker, Mallory, Colten, Sophie, and Gracelyn; and many nieces and nephews.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Willian Russell; and 4 sisters, Gladys, Lou Emma, Elizabeth, and Carolyn; and 2 stepchildren, Terry Russell and Linda Wright.
The family would like to thank HSHS Hospice Southern Illinois and Visiting Angels.