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Francis Trussel Obituary

LINCOLN – Cpl. Francis Trussel, 21, of Lincoln, formerly of Danville, died Saturday (May 26, 2007) in Iraq.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Danville. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News-Gazette on Jun. 2, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Francis Trussel

49 Entries

Charlie Gili

December 19, 2015

Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Trussel Family know that we recently sent Care Packages to American troops in Afghanistan. Each box carried a dedication sheet that includes the name, service information and photo of your loved one. We recognize that this is a humble tribute, but we wanted you to know that it is heartfelt and made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals in the youth hockey community and beyond. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

James P Berka

May 30, 2011

Thinking of you this Memorial Day. My brother was there on the day that Frank died, one of the first to reach him. Frank will be remembered each Memorial Day by my family.

Peggy Childers

May 26, 2011

To the family and friends of Spc. Francis M. Trussel:
Please accept my remembrance of Francis on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

Peggy Childers

May 26, 2010

To the family and friends of Spc. Francis M. Trussel:
Remembering Francis on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

HERO

Lisa

November 22, 2009

Photo of HERO in the sunset.

Lisa

November 22, 2009

Dear family of Francis, he was and always will be a Hero. He was a brave soul and we honor him, always. He will never be forgotten.

Peggy Childers

May 26, 2009

To the family of Spc. Francis M. Trussel:
Francis gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Janice Trussel

March 16, 2009

Wondering if Francis was related to Kenneth Trussel and his family in Montpeliar, IN. Wife Madge, son Wm. C and Karen. I am Janice and married William. There were also Trussel's in Hartford City, IN

Kenna Larra

January 29, 2009

We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families. War does not discriminate – It breaks my heart to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,300 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna

Pastor Frank Noyes

September 18, 2008

Dear Family of Spc. Francis M. Trussel,

We want to say thank you. We understand that no words can be adequate for your sorrow. We certainly do not want to intrude upon your privacy. As Americans we want you to know that we deeply appreciate the ultimate sacrifice your loved one has made for all of us. We also would like for you to be aware that with this letter comes our special concern and prayers for you. We are all safer because young men and women who love their country, and know the value of a free nation, are willing to put themselves in harms way, and lay down their lives to keep this nation free and safe for all of us.
Your sacrifice is also very great. We know that we can give little comfort; however, the knowledge that your loved one did not die in vain, but died in the service of our country, gives each of us a noble example of the value of life, and the responsibility of freedom. We hope this will bring pride and comfort to you.
We at Gethsemane Church believe that there is purpose to life. We send this letter with our deepest appreciation for the greatest of sacrifices, you and your loved one have given to this country. We know it is not enough, but please allow us to assure you that your loved one is not forgotten.

Very Sincerely

Frank G. Noyes
Frank G. Noyes (Pastor)

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
(Jn. 15:13)

June 27, 2008

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Spc Trussel!

Kristell Glaviano

June 25, 2008

My name is Kristell Glaviano. I was Franks next door neighbor in Ft. Hood, Tx. When i met Frank he was living by himself and was deploying shortly after to Iraq. He came by a lot to our house and always had some funny stories to tell about his past with his younger brother and past relationships and was always happy. He loved to go to country clubs and dance and just have a good time. He also loved playing the harmonica and loved staying fit. And more then anything he loved his kids. I never got to meet his wife or children but he always talked about them and showed me pictures. He went on leave before he left to Iraq and when he came back, i remember us standing outside at night talking about his trip back home. And he said that his kids love playing with trains and wanted to so bad to stay longer just to be with them. He showed me the tatoos of his kids names on him and was proud to be a daddy. He loved his job. He told me he was ready for Iraq and was proud of being a Tanker. He liked kidding around about his looks always telling me that he's been told that he looks like Matt Damian or the Russian boxer in the Rocky 5 movie. That always got us laughing. I still have the little Newspaper clipping of Frank passing away and it still shocks me that he's gone. My friend that was staying with us at Ft. Hood, my 2 kids and myself attended Franks memorial at Ft. Hood. My husband ( Tommy) couldn't make it because he was at work but they were good friends. It couldn't get any sadder then that day because it was raining and cold and that was the first military memorial i've ever gone to. I later the following year attended my grandfather's military funeral and thought of Frank. I miss Frank, he was a lot of laughs and so out there and opened with himself. I just hope his 2 kids are fine and that his family is doing good. I'm now in Germany with my husband now in Iraq and pray that he comes back to me and my kids safely.

Debby& Chelsey Cope

May 27, 2008

Its been a year now Francis that you were taken away from your family i pray for them each day. You are our Hero and you are missed very much by many. Thank you Francis.

In Memory of Francis ~ (Debra Estep)

May 26, 2008

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.

The Wind on The Downs

“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”

(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )

Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….

“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”

I did not know Francis, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Other Side

i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.

can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.

i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side

the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)

“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008

Visit this link to hear the song.

The Other Side –
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol

Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

Please contact me and I will email you back a copy of my
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.

Chris Winters

April 19, 2008

My name is chris winters and I am francis' brother. I love you bro and I will always love and miss you. You are a great man and a wonderful brother. You are still here with me I cry for you all the time bro I love you so much......please don't forget about me I will join you and mom and heather one day........

j trussel

March 26, 2008

WILL NEVER FOR GET YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!! Love uncle J.T.Trussel

Chelsey Cope

February 24, 2008

To the family of Francis Trussel
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you everyday. I dont know any of you but my mommy does she knows Janice.I just wish you could see this wonderful memory book that my mom has made of you for me.Im only ten years old and my mom is doing a book on the iraq war for me to read when i am older.We did attend your Funeral that day and my heart ached as mush as your family's did. May you rest in piece Francis always.

A SOLDIERS FRIEND 2 ---------

February 24, 2008

HONOR THEM BY REMEMBERING..
FREEDOM - IS THEIR GIFT TO US.
THANK YOU FRANCIS.

chelsey cope

February 18, 2008

May you rest in peace always Francis.

Myron Bogan

January 20, 2008

To the Family of SPC Francis Trussel,
I pray that your loss of your loved one is is eased by the glorious Remembrance and joyous Memories of such a fine young man. May God watch and protect your families and may He forever continue to ease the pain in your souls.

Peggie Writtenhouse

October 4, 2007

My deepest and most heartfelt sympathy to the family of Francis Trussel. Thanks for your Soldier's Courage, Service and Dedication to our Country and Freedom.
The price he and his family have paid, will never be forgotten.
In the days to come if you find yourself feeling like you can‘t go on , recall the years and days you were blessed by his presence, this is the one thing that cannot be taken away from you are your memories, may you find comfort there and may God’s Peace strengthen you through the difficult days ahead and the emptiness in your hearts!
I am the Sister of a hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in 2005 in Taji, Iraq and time does make it hurt less.

"And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes,
there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying,
there shall be no more pain.
For the former things have passed away."
Revelations 21:4

NOW SERVING IN GOD’S ARMY
In His Memory,
Master Sgt James F. Hayes
1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division Fort Campbell KY

MIchael Terry

September 30, 2007

To the family and friends of Specialist Trussel. I had the honor of surving with Trussel in Ft. Hood. Was not deployed with him, however he was in my platoon almost a year before deployment. Trussel was one hell of a hard worker. A man who came from a difficult life, yet seemed to find the better side. He took the bad, to build the good. He will always be missed. Not a day goes by that I don't think about him. Trussel, you will always be remembered.

August 17, 2007

There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.

Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.

I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.

REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)

August 16, 2007

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Spc Trussel and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

ROBYN GARSIDE

July 4, 2007

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.

A PROUD MARINE MOM

SANDRA WILLIAMS SMITH

June 27, 2007

To the family:
I am so sorry for your loss. Please stay close to God and in time he will dry yours and ours tears away. We lost our son, Cpl. Jeffrey A. Williams in Tal Afara, Iraq on 09/05/05. May God bless and guide your family in comfort.
Aron and Sandra Smith

SSG & Mrs. D. Karl

June 24, 2007

I never had the honor of meeting your soldier, but I feel deep sadness for your loss. I am married to a soldier, and I feel as if all soldiers and their families are a part of my family. We all grieve with you for the loss of this hero. You are in our thoughts and hearts.

Glen

June 21, 2007

“Soldier”
Written to Honor the Service of Our Fallen Soldiers

Soldiers write history…they pay the price
Many miles distant, you live the life
Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still

We hope and pray that all will find peace
In God, in the flag, in memories of valor
Gone now, our pride and courage you see
“An Army of One” our motto forever

Willing to risk all for love of our Brothers
We’re still Your Soldiers…and we showed the way
Our Lives too short, now pray for the others
Lived free died Heroes in lands far away

Deep within souls all cherished our Service
We’ll always have what some never know
Courage and Honor, our names forever
Lived life with purpose…just our time to go

We march in the Heavens with Honor and Glory
Missions accomplished we fought the Good Fight
Many years from now…we’ll tell the full story
Until that Day we will live in the Light

Our lives we laid down in a land far away
Still watching o’er you this night and by day
No need to talk…just know we are with you
There in your hearts and we hear what you pray

Yes we are your soldiers
Our lives we laid down
Still We guard o’er you
Still Duty bound

Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still
We’ll always have what some never know
Lived life with purpose…it was our time to go

Tammy Eubank

June 20, 2007

I had the pleasure of getting to know Frank when we lived across from him in Weldon, IL. He was a wonderful person, always taking care of those around him before worrying about himself. I am priviledged to have known him for a brief time in his life; his memory will be with me always. For the rest of his family, my sincerest condolences on your loss. May God keep you in His loving hands, and help you through your time of grief.

Ronn Massie

June 20, 2007

God bless the family and friends of Francis.
You will all be in our prayers.
Thank you Francis for being such a brave hero.

(In remembrance of Cpl. Joey Cantrell 4-4-07)

Sandi Breckenridge

June 12, 2007

We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness,
and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief.
Our nations HERO, Francis, will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Thank you Francis for your selfless service to our nation.
May we always remember:
FREEDOM ISN'T FREE!

Karla Pena

June 10, 2007

Dear Trussel Family, I pray our Heavenly Father be with you during these times of grief. May you find strength in the Lord. I too lost a loved one, my brother, Jorge L. Pena 7-16-05, Baghdad Iraq. There are no words to provide the consolation we thirst for, but the presence of friends and family remind you that you are not alone. My older sister was Francis' neighbor in Ft Hood Tx. She remembers him as a friendly big-hearted person. Please know that the Pena family shares your grief, and you are in our thoughts and prayers.

June 4, 2007

To the Family and Friends of this Soldier:
I will stand in grief with this soldier's family to honor him. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life, but I promised Brent that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
We lost our son SFC Brent A. Adams on 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday. I wish so badly there were things I could say to you right now to make the pain you are feeling go away, but I know first hand there simply are no words that will bring you the comfort and peace your heart aches for. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you go through this tragedy moment by moment and as you mourn this loss.
We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with as our hearts both burst with pride and pain together.
I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally. While they can never be replaced, neither will they ever be forgotten. You must trust that sometime, someday the loving memories you have will help to sustain you and help you go on. This courageous soldier will forever be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well.
To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is your wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever.
If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero.
God Bless this soldier and family who gave all and God Bless legacy.com for setting up this site where families can so quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves.
Proud Parents of SFC Brent A. Adams, KIA, 12/1/05, Ramadi, Iraq
Pam and Bill Adams, Lancaster, PA

June 4, 2007

Francis You have always been my hero my best friend and more like a big brother than anything you were always there when I needed you you were always a phone call away and I dont know what I am going to do without you and I am going to make you a promise the boys will know know everything there is to know of you and your family I love you and miss you so much Jen

Tom Gugliuzza-Smith

June 4, 2007

My heartfelt sympathy to the Trussel family in the loss of Francis. I did not know Francis, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Francis you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom

"To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~

REYNA VALERIO

June 2, 2007

I JUST WANTED TO SAY HOW SORRY I AM FOR THE YOUR LOSS. MY HUSBAND WAS SERVING WITH SPC.TRUSSEL IN THE SAME COMPANY AND IS STILL IN IRAQ. THE FEW TIMES I MET TRUSSEL HE ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ON HIS FACE. FROM WHAT MY HUSBAND TELLS ME HE WAS A GREAT SOLDIER WHO WAS ALWAYS OUT TO DO FOR OTHERS. KNOW THAT MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOUR FAMILY. ALTHOUGH I DIDNT KNOW SPC. TRUSSEL ALL THAT WELL YOU DONT HAVE TO KNOW TO MUCH TO KNOW THAT THEY ARE A GREAT HERO!!!

J.T. Trussel

June 2, 2007

sadly miss
never forgotten
you were the best nephew and died for your country
you are everybodies hero specially your kids

Connie Trussel

June 2, 2007

Francis i am so sad that you are gone but you will never be forgotten and i have seen you since christmas 2 years ago but you will all ways be in my heart
and you were the best cousin

Jennifer Pruitt

June 1, 2007

Francis, You were a great guy and wonderful father. I am honored to be able to call you cousin. You gave the ultimate sacrifice, I am just sad that because of that you will no longer brighten our lives with your smile. rest in peace soldier. you are the true American hero.

Linda Flannery

June 1, 2007

My sincere sympathy to the family and friends of this brave man. May you find comfort in your loving memories. All of America shares your sorrow. My flag flies in his honor.

Trudy Lowe

May 31, 2007

My heartfelt sympathies to your family. My heart breaks with each new name added to this list, and I am saddened by your loss. Know that you are surrounded by prayers, grace and the deep gratitude of all who live in freedom. My God hold you in his arms and grant you peace. Please find joy in the memories of your loved one and comfort knowing so many are holding you in their hearts.

JUNE .FRANCO HENSLEY

May 31, 2007

REST IN PEACE YOUNG SOLDIER . YOUR ARE IN GOD HAND , YOUR IN HEAVEN

Linda Clifton

May 31, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

SHIRLEY DONEY

May 30, 2007

REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND, TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY THE MEMORIES OF THIS WONDERFUL SOLDIERS LIFE FILL YOUR HEARTS WITH BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES
GOD BLESS YOU

Mike Rundquist

May 30, 2007

My son was in the 3rd bct 1/12 cav. with francis. I cannot express how deaply sorry I am. My heart goes out to the family. God bless!

Carol Cline

May 30, 2007

Know in your heart that you are a true hero and will never be forgotten. All gave some, some gave all. Rest in peace. You will be missed by everyone’s life you have touched.

To the family, as the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family, friends, and all Americans for the sacrifice of one of your family members for our freedom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort in the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father.

Sandy Bonesteel

May 30, 2007

As the mother of a son (my only child) who is enlisted in the Army, I want to send my condolences.

Garnet Jenkins

May 30, 2007

I am Deeply Saddened to learn of the loss of Spc. Francis M. Trussel, the Price this Brave Young Soldier and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, Will Never Be Forgotten.
May Francis rest safely in the Loving Care of God and may the Grace and Comfort of the Lord be with the Trussel family.
There will Never Be Enough Ways to Humbly Thank these Young Heroes for their Sacrifices, my brother among them. Killed in action in Vietnam in 1967.

"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee."
~ Psalm 55:22 ~

Hoping you can feel the thoughts of caring and support that surround you today and in the days ahead, as this Country mourns with you, for Someone Very Precious to you, Who Is A Hero to all of us.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.

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