Charles M. Russell

Charles M. Chuck Russell, age 90, of Cassville, passed away peacefully at the Lancaster Care Center in Lancaster on Saturday, November 9, 2013, after a brief illness. Chuck was born on the family farm in the Town of Erin, on March 25, 1923, the son of William and Ethel (Manning) Russell. He graduated from Hartford High School and went on to obtain a degree in Engineering from Marquette University. In 1942, Chuck enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. After completing Flight School, he was stationed in England with the 8^th Air Force, flying B-24s in the European Theatre. At the end of World War II and surviving thirty plus missions, he went on to fly P-51 Mustangs with the Wisconsin Air National Guard. Chuck was recalled into the regular Air Force with the Strategic Air Command and flew B-36s during the Korean Conflict. At this time, he was also involved in the Atomic Weapons Program. On April 5, 1953, Chuck was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain. Chuck continued his aviation career of sixty-three years with everything from crop dusting to corporate air craft to experimental air planes, including building one of his own. Chucks passion was flying but his family meant the world to him. On May 30, 1949, Chuck was united in marriage to Jacquelyn Cathers at St. Charles Catholic Church in Cassville. He was a loving husband of sixty years, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and a gentleman until the end. Chuck enjoyed dancing and the outdoors. He taught his children many useful skills from hunting to riding horses. Chuck had a special relationship with each of his children. Dad our hearts are broken, but your spirit will live on in all of us. We love you forever more.

In addition to his parents, Chuck was preceded in death by his wife, Jacque on October 7, 2009, and two sisters, Lois and Helen.

Survivors include nine children: Charles P., Prescott, AZ; Christine (Kenny Nehls) Russell, Cassville; Catherine Ann Russell, Cobb; Bill (Jane); Sheila (Rod) Breuer; Don (Kathy); Theresa (Jerry) Reynolds, all of Cassville; Pat Boney (friend Karen); and Katie (Mike) Parkins, all of Potosi; ten grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; two brothers: Dr. Wm. (Alice), Sun Prairie; Robert, Phoenix, AZ; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, November 14, 2013, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church in Cassville with Father John Meinholz officiating. Burial with military honors was in St. Mary Settlement Cemetery, Cassville. Family and friends called on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church. Martin Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Cassville is assisting the family.