Raymond Lee Russell

Raymond was a parishioner at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Edwardsville, Illinois. He received his bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology and Secondary Education from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. He worked for many years as a respiratory therapist before changing course to teach the sciences and respiratory therapy. He loved music and playing the guitar. He was also a motorcycle enthusiast and played softball when he was younger. He loved to stargaze and study astronomy. He will truly be missed by all who knew him.

Surviving are his wife of 22 years, Amelia Russell, nee Votoupal, of Edwardsville, Illinois; his three children, Stephen, Joseph, and Melanie Russell, all of Edwardsville, Illinois; his parents, Frank and Judith, nee Dupee, Russell, of Smithton, Illinois; his siblings, Curtis L. Russell, of Smithton, Illinois and Vicki L. (Alan) Davis, of Waterloo, Illinois; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Memorials are appreciated to the Edwardsville Humane Society, Hospice of Southern Illinois, or the American Cancer Society. Condolences may also be expressed online at www.lakeviewfuneralhm.com.

Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday, January 5, 2017 at Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, Illinois.

Funeral: Services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, January 6, 2017 at the funeral home with Father Daniel Bergbower officiating. Interment will be held privately.