C. Russell Clapp

TIMEWELL, Ill. -- C. Russell Clapp, 79, of 1126 S. 26th, Quincy, formerly of Timewell, arrived in heaven to meet his savior at 8:18 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7, 2015.

Russell was born in Brown County. He was the only child of Clinton Blick and Viola Thomas Clapp. He attended Lester and Timewell grade schools and graduated from Brown County High School in 1953. Russell also attended Heavy Equipment Operators School in Braidwood in 1960.

He married Marie Lidgard on March 1, 1959. They were the first couple to be married in the new Timewell Christian Church. They were happily married for 56 years. Russell began serving our country in 1959 in the U.S. Army at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and Fort Ord in California. He continued his service in the Army Reserves for six years.

He was a faithful member, deacon and trustee of Timewell Christian Church. He served on the Timewell Village Board as a trustee for 50 years from 1962 to 2012. He was a volunteer Timewell firefighter, on the Mounds Cemetery Board and Lee Township auditor. In 1953 he began working for his grandfather, Lawrence Thomas, on the roads of Lee Township. Russell became the road commissioner of Lee Township in 1963 and retired as road commissioner in 1999. He continued to work the roads of Lee, Buckhorn and Concord Township until 2012.

Early in his career, along with working the roads, he drove a milk truck early in the mornings and sold Family Life Insurance in the evenings. His top priority was providing a wonderful home and life for his family.

Russell enjoyed fishing, metal detecting, NASCAR, RV camping, traveling and was always up for a card game. Russell was dedicated to his family, church and community. He had a smile and wave for anyone he would meet.

He is survived by his wife, Marie; his daughter, Sonia; and his son, Jeffrey (Patti). He dearly loved his grandchildren, Matthew (Lindsay), Brittney, AlDon, Annie, Katie, Zach, Braden and Malia. His extended family of brother and sister in-laws, nieces and nephews, and many friends were a very important part of his life.

SERVICES: 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 10, in the Hendricker Funeral Home in Mount Sterling with the Rev. Stephen Griffin officiating.

Burial will be in the Mounds Cemetery near Timewell. A graveside military service will be conducted.

VISITATION: 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, at the funeral home. Friends may also call from 8 a.m. until the time of services Monday at the funeral home.

MEMORIALS: Brown County Against Cancer, Timewell Christian Church or the Wounded Warrior Project.

ARRANGEMENTS: Hendricker Funeral Home, Mount Sterling.

WEBSITE: www.hendrickerfh.com.

Condolences may be expressed online at whig.com.