Carl Holmand Russell peacefully passed away at 8:10 p.m. on February 13, 2026, joining his beloved Esther Anne Little Russell, whom he had cherished for 67 years before her passing in 2022. Born August 16, 1935, in Morgan County, Alabama, to Benjamin Harrison and Venie “Nancy” Hanes Russell.

Carl was the son of a family that deeply valued its heritage. He was proud of the legacy continued on with his children: William H. Russell (Christine), Rebecca (Rick) Forsythe, Brenda (Bob) Meyer, Carl Leslie Russell. He was blessed with his 13 grandchildren that he spent valuable time with to carry on the family traditions: Connor, Caeden, and Noa Russell, Tiffany (Ryan) Welsh, Candace (Mindy) Forsythe Daily, Amber (Matt) Christensen, Sara Fischer, Jennifer (Christian)Woodward, Brittney Russell Bowles, Bridget Russell, Paul Russell, Luke Russell, Nick (Rachel) Russell. Thirty great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren to continue the legacy. Sister-in-law Nancy (Bob) Murphy and Sister-in-law Barbara Sennello, several nieces and nephews: 

He was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters: RV Russell, Bobbie Russell Sipes, Bertha Russell Brown, Essie Russell Anderson, Catherine Russell Lyle, Benjamin Harrison Russell, Jr., Odessa Russell Hughes, Olean Russell Maxwell, Olga Russell Turman, and Eloise Russell Hill. He was the last sibling to pass. 

Carl spent his early years in Alabama, where he dedicated his time to serving in the army from 1953 to 1957 during the Korean Conflict, First Infantry, Big Red One, a service he held dear. After his honorable discharge, he was relentless in securing a job at Caterpillar. After 4 days of showing up, they had no choice but to give him the job because of his tenacity. He dove right into work at Caterpillar Tractor’s tool room for 32 years. 

There, he built a house in Gardner, Illinois, and raised a family. After retiring, he started a small construction company, doing what he truly loved. He was a master of many trades; he could fix cars, build anything, and he was the town of Gardner’s police officer and Boy Scout Leader in his younger days.

 Later on, he served as a building inspector for the Village of Saunemin for several years before heading back to Alabama. He continued working the land with his backhoe and building his home in his 80s. He was a Charter Member of the South Wilmington Fireman’s Beach Club, where he loved camping, fishing, and boating. He loved to hunt and garden. 

In the final years of his life, he made it a habit to visit Walmart, County Market, and other businesses just to say hello. He never met a stranger and always enjoyed a good chat. He enjoyed living at his duplex at Northview Commons, and the other tenants became like family to him since 2021. 

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, May 22, 2026, at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to First Baptist Church in Fairbury, Illinois.