Russell L. Wheeles

Russell L. Wheeles, 81, passed away on Monday, January 5, 2009 at 11:48 P.M. at Friendship Care Center in Herrin. Russell was born April 1, 1927 in Bush the son of John L. Wheeles & Edna Maude (Conley) Dains. He married Helen A. Rodely on April 26, 1952 in Chester and together they have shared over 56 years of marriage. He was a member of First Pentecostal Church in Herrin. He attended Southwest Baptist College and later he helped to build three churches and has served as a Sunday school teacher and church treasurer. He was a master electrician and welder, retiring from the coal mines and was a member of the UMWA. Russell proudly served in the Navy from 1944 1946 as an aerial gunner and the Air Force from 1951 1953. He was a commercial pilot. In addition to his wife, Helen he is survived by his Daughter, Susan LeeAnn Craig and her husband Leonard of Goreville, two grandchildren; Monty Craig and wife Sarah of Johnston City, Chad Craig and wife Samantha of Herrin, three great grandchildren; Abigail, Michaela and Conner Craig of Herrin, several nieces and nephews. Preceded by his Parents, Infant Children, David Wheeles and Paula K. Wheeles and Sister, Claire Farrell. Funeral services will be Thursday, January 8, 2009 at 1:00 P.M. at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home with Rev. Michael Tetmeyer officiating. Burial will follow in Herrin City Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at the funeral home. For those who prefer memorials may be made to the First Pentecostal Church or Herrin Library. Envelopes will be available at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home, 201 South 13th Street, Herrin, IL 62948.