Willis Lee Russell

Willis Lee “Butch” Russell JOHNSTON CITY–Willis Lee “Butch” Russell, 70, of Johnston City passed away at 6:00 AM, Saturday, January 17, 2009 at his residence surrounded by his family. In respect with Butch’s own personal wishes there will be no public visitation or funeral, his body will be donated to medical science. Blue Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois; envelopes are available at the funeral home or may be sent c/o Blue Funeral Home, PO Box 411, Marion, IL 62959. Mr. Russell was born on September 13, 1938 in Elkville to Carl and Dorothy (Lewis) Russell. He married Donna Sue Manier in 1959 in Herrin; together they shared 49 years of marriage. Survivors include his wife, Donna Sue Russell; daughters and sons-in-law, Lee Ann and Lendell Clark and Gayla Dawn and Terry Godbey; grandchildren, Jason Emery, Cassie Emery, Jacob Stilley and Jessica Stilley; six great grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Danny and Joanna Russell; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Kay and Gilbert Jackson and Nancy Peebels; brother-in-law, John Manier; and many other family members and lifelong friends, Halley, Dennis, Donnie and Bob. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Joshua Emery; sisters, Linda Cunningham and Helen Waller; brother, Carl Ray Russell; father-in-law and mother-in-law, William and Beulah Brodell; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jack and Barbara Swafford; sister-in-law, Connie Belcher; and brother-in-law, Tom Peebels.