Russell E. Martin, 87, of Bluffs and formerly of Beardstown, died Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020, at Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville.
    He was born June 19, 1933 in Chandlerville, the son of Robert William and Lela Mae Smith Martin. He married Iola May Birdsell on Aug. 22, 1953, in Chandlerville and she preceded him in death on May 22, 2009.
    He is survived by his children, Deborah (John) Smith of Beardstown, Rodney Martin of Meredosia and Brenda Danner of Astoria; six grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; one brother, Eddie (Ruth) Martin of Chandlerville; and several nieces and nephews.
     He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Russell Alan Martin; one grandson, Andrew Joseph Morris; four brothers, Jim, Raymond, Johnny Bob and Hank Martin; and two sons-in-law, Tony Morris and Jerry Gorsage.
    Mr. Martin was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served during the Korean War. He worked high line construction for L.E. Myers Company and NG Gilbert Corp. out of IBEW Local 51 in Springfield, then was employed at Oscar Mayer in Beardstown for 15 years. Russell enjoyed mushrooming, fishing and hunting. He loved visiting with friends and spending time with his family and dog, Buddy.
    A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23, at Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown with burial at Beardstown City Cemetery. Family will meet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Due to the current health situation, face masks will be required, and to comply with social distancing guidelines, a limited number of people will be allowed in the funeral home at one time.
    Memorials are suggested to Guthrie-Pierce VFW Post 1239. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.sagerfuneralhome.com.