Ralph L. "Whitey" Russell, 83, of Mt. Vernon died 1:08 p.m. Aug. 15, 2000, at Good Samaritan Regional Health Center, Mt. Vernon.

Mr. Russell was employed by the Shultz & Burch Biscuit Co. for several years and also by Lipps Construction as a truck driver.

He was born April 27, 1917, in Mt. Vernon to Marshall and Ethel (Pigg) Russell.

He married Mildred H. House on Nov. 22, 1939, in St. Louis; she survives.
(note: stone shows Nov. 22, 1938)

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at Hughey Funeral Home. The Rev. Buss Hart will be officiating. Burial will be in Hopewell Cemetery, north of Mt. Vernon. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

In addition to his wife, survivors include three daughters, Sharon Karch and husband Paul of Centralia and Peggy Barr and husband Mike and Brenda McGarvey and husband Kevin, all of Mt. Vernon; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Lena Faye Gregory and Thelma Dial of Mt. Vernon; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Russell was a member of Casey Avenue Baptist Church and a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II.

He loved his family very much and was most proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and three sisters.

Memorials may be made to Hopewell Cemetery and will be accepted at the funeral home. Funeral services are under the direction of Hughey Funeral Home, where you may call at 242-3348 for information any time.

Source: Mt. Vernon Register News
Date: August 15, 2000
Submitted by: Ken Richardson