Russell Allen Murrell

Russell Allen Murrell, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and cornerstone in his community, died at the age of 88 on July 24, 2023, at Robinson Rehab. Well-regarded for his affability, Russell was also known colloquially as a storyteller.

His was a story worth telling.

Born on November 25, 1934, in Rantoul, IL, Russell grew up in Gifford, IL, and after graduating from Armstrong High School in Vermillion County, he answered his country's call, serving in the U.S. Army as a clerk typist in Nuremberg, Germany. In so doing, he had the rare privilege of witnessing the historic Nuremberg Trials firsthand. While in Germany, Russell met the love of his life, Lydia Neubauer. They married on December 17, 1959, and Lydia survives him today. Back in the States, Russell embarked on a successful career managing grain elevators in Tolono, Villa Grove, Dorans, and eventually Oblong. The family relocated to Oblong in 1969, where he kept thriving, eventually buying the elevator in 1992.

After decades of hard work, Russell retired in 2012. Though his retirement years were fulfilling, they were shadowed by the nostalgic echo of the business he missed and the camaraderie he enjoyed with his regulars. Outside of work, Russell was a man of diverse interests. As a young man, he was known to bowl and explore new places, attending numerous agriculture and Elks conventions all over the U.S. In fact, Russell was so involved with the Robinson Elks Lodge #1188 that he served as its Exalted Ruler many times. He was also a member of the Robinson Masonic Lodge #250, the Valley of Danville Scottish Rite, the Ainad Shrine, and the Robinson Moose Lodge #1369. At the Moose Lodge, he sharpened his poker skills and took many a trip to casinos to try his hand at their poker tables.

At home, his card game of choice was Spades, which he enjoyed playing alongside his beloved family. An adoring grandfather, he often took his grandkids on feed delivery trips and was a familiar face at their various ballgames. They hold many dear memories of simply watching Westerns with their "Opa". When he wasn't watching shows like Gunsmoke, this sports fan's television would often be dialed into a Chicago Cubs baseball or Chicago Bears football game, and his devotion to these teams proves once and for all that love really does suffer long!

Though his departure leaves a void in the hearts of many, his spirit lives on in the love he shared, the work he did, the stories he told, and the memories he created.

In addition to his beloved wife, Lydia Murrell (Robinson, IL), he is survived by his sons & daughters-in-law, Jeff & Sherri Murrell (Robinson, IL) and Gary & Angie Murrell (Plainfield, IN); his daughter, Patricia Murrell (Robinson, IL); his grandchildren, Koale & Allyssa Culp, Clay Culp, Paige Murrell, Faith Murrell, Grace Murrell, Laine Murrell, Megan Lankford, Katelyn Murrell, and Hunter Murrell; his great-grandchildren, Stephen, Braxton, and Kalin; his brother, Marion Murrell; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John & Stella (Ramert) Murrell; his daughter, Sandra M. Barnhart; his sisters, Audrey Irwin, Wilma Ludwig, and Loretta Berry; and his brother, Richard Murrell.

A time of visitation will be held from 12:00-2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 27th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will immediately follow and be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home, with Pastor Mike McElyea officiating. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available at www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream .

Burial will be in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded. Memorials may be made to the "Shriners Children's Hospitals", with envelopes available at the funeral home.