Russell E. Waltrip

CHARLESTON, IL – Russell Eugene Waltrip, age 90 of Charleston, went to his Heavenly Home on Saturday, August 11, 2018 while at Hilltop Skilled Nursing and Rehab.  Graveside Services, honoring and celebrating his life, will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at Mound Cemetery in Charleston, with Pastor Tom Farris officiating.  Military Services will be conducted by the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 and Charleston American Legion Post 93 combined honor guard.   It is requested that donations in his honor be made to the Coles County Animal Shelter, the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 or Lincolnland Hospice.  Gifts may be left at the graveside service or mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.

Russ was born September 27, 1927 in Charleston, Illinois, the only child of the late Paul Martin “Beanie” and Lula Frances (Watson) Waltrip.  He was a graduate of Charleston High School and faithfully served his country with the U.S. Navy during World War II.  He married Barbara K. Rogers on March 26, 1949 and they shared 65 years of marriage prior to her death on May 16, 2014.  Russ is survived by his children, Rick Waltrip and wife Sharron of Westfield, Illinois, Terry Waltrip and wife Marlene of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Paula Parker and husband Tim of Charleston; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Russ was employed at Eastern Illinois University for 33 years retiring in 1990 as Building and Equipment Room Supervisor for both Lantz and McAfee.  Russ had also been an employee at Brown Shoe Company in Charleston and at the family grocery, Waltrip’s IGA.  Russ owned Waltrip’s Trailer Court as well as farmland located south of Charleston at the southeast corner of Route 130 and the Westfield Road.  He was a life-long member of First Christian Church in Charleston; and a member of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592; Charleston Moose Lodge #1388; Charleston Elks B.P.O.E. #623; and the Charleston Country Club where Russ enjoyed playing the game of golf, which he learned to appreciate later in life.

Russ was an avid table tennis player (a tournament trophy winner) and enjoyed playing cards with friends and family.  He never liked to lose and if you played Russ in a game of table tennis or cards – you surely experienced his competitive nature first hand.  He loved the outdoors and such activities as mushroom hunting or fishing on the river when spending time at the family cabin.  Russ enjoyed having a dog as the family pet and as a teenager was especially attached to his dog, Patty.  He was a fan of Chicago Bears football and Cubs baseball and was known for his colorful clothing, stitched by wife Barbara.  Russ could be described as being on the thrifty side, possessed a witty personality and was quite clever when it came to playing practical jokes.  Even when his health began to fail his sense of humor did not, and often when asked how he was feeling he would reply, “never felt better and had less”.   Russ enjoyed many friendships throughout the years and believed in living life to its fullest.