Russell H. Carlson, Sr

Russell H. Carlson, Sr., 95, of Abingdon, IL, passed away at 8:05 p.m., Monday, January 15, 2018 at the Care Center of Abingdon.

He was born on May 28, 1922 in Orange Township, Knox County, IL, the son of Thor Rudolph and Adina (Johnson) Carlson. Russell was raised and educated in Knox County and graduated from Knoxville High School in 1940. He later attended the Leroy VanDyke School of Auctioneering.

Russell married Shirley A. VanMeter on April 22, 1951 in South Beloit, IL; she survives.

Russell worked as a baggage handler for the railroad for several years. He also drove a semi for ADM, Atlas, and REA Express. Russell also worked as the Service Manager at Randall GMC. He also farmed and was an auctioneer. Russell loved music and enjoyed playing, singing and writing his own music for the trumpet, piano, accordion, guitar, banjo, and harmonica. Russell was an Arthur Murray Studio dance instructor. He was a devout man of faith. Russell served as a deputy sheriff for a time. He was an enthusiast of any vehicle, helicopters, fast cars, mopeds, tractors, and semis. Russell visited every state in the USA, Canada, Mexico, and Cuba during the Castro Revolution. Russell never knew a stranger and was a friend to many.

Surviving Russell are his children, Russell H. (Julie Huff) Carlson, Jr. of Kirkwood, IL, Dinalee (David) Lunardi of Galesburg, IL, Derek R. Carlson of Galesburg, IL, Lawrence D. (Janet Brand) Carlson of Viola, IL, and Marilee (Allen L. Jr.) Meyer of Abingdon, IL. Also surviving are ten grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Margaret Collis of Galesburg, IL; brother, Roy H. Carlson of Gilson, IL, one grandchild, and one great grandchild.

A Celebration of Life will be 1:00-5:00 p.m., Saturday, February 10, 2018 at the First Church of the Nazarene, Galesburg, IL. Cremation rites have been accorded. Memorials can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. McGuire and Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth is in charge of the arrangements.