Russell Southwell Obituary

RUSSELL EUGENE SOUTHWELL Russell Eugene Southwell, 83, of Beardstown, passed away Tuesday, September 16, 2025. He was born on October 25, 1941, the son of Robert and Hazel Walters Southwell. He first married Ruth B. White, and she preceded him in death. He married Martha Lee Jacobs on August 30, 1970, and she preceded him in death on March 13, 2018. He is survived by his son, Prentice (Heather) Southwell; one sister, Mildred "Mickey" Perry; and two grandchildren, Amberlee "June" Southwell and Aimee "Amyx" Southwell; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Also preceding him in death are both his parents; one son, Robert Bryce Southwell; two brothers, Robert Lee Southwell, James Dale Southwell; and one grandchild, Robert Joseph Bryce Southwell. Russ graduated from Beardstown High School in 1959, after which he enlisted in the US Navy and proudly served as an aircraft mechanic on aircraft carriers until his retirement in 1978 with the rank Chief Petty Officer. He earned many accolades during his service including the Presidential Unit Citation, the Good Conduct Award, Meritorious Unit Citations, the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross, the Vietnam Service medal, and more. He was on the Navy Pistol Team, having been named an expert in .45 caliber pistol. Upon his retirement from the Navy, Russ trained as a union pipefitter/welder and was a member of Local 353 out of Peoria. He worked on many nuclear power plants and other facilities throughout the years. He had a deep work ethic and often served as foreman on jobs. He was a life member of Beardstown VFW Guthrie-Pierce Post 1239 and enjoyed serving as chaplain for a few years. He proudly displayed his US flag in his yard and was even honored for that at one time. He enjoyed being a gun enthusiast, rebuilding guns, and going to gun shows. He had a 1970 baby blue Datsun that he restored after his retirement. But his biggest joy in his life was his family, especially his grandchildren. For many years, he attended school events, musicals, plays and talent shows in support of them. Graveside services with military honors will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, September 26th at Oak Grove Cemetery in Beardstown. There will be no formal visitation. Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Beardstown is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com.