Russell Douglas Casper

Russell Douglas Casper, 81, of Springfield, passed away at 9:45 a.m. on April 23, 2008 at Sunny Acres Nursing Home. Russell was born May 30, 1926 in Springfield, the son of John and Cecelia Patterson Casper. He married Patricia L. "Pat" Hendricker on May 27, 1961 at Third Presbyterian Church in Springfield. Russell graduated from Lanphier High School in 1944 before serving his country during WW II in the Navy. He became a Union Carpenter and Mill Wright and was a Union Member with the Carpenter's Local #16 for over 50 years and Millwright Union Local 1051. Russell loved camping, fishing, woodwork, rollerskating at Moonlight Gardens, but most of all, music. He collected records and spent many happy hours cataloguing and listening to all kinds of music. He also loved Carpenter Park. He and his wife went there almost daily during the past few years. Preceding Russell in death were his parents, John and Cecelia and his son, Stephen Casper. He is survived by his wife, Pat Casper; his son, Daniel (wife, Pat) Casper of Springfield; four daughters, Janette (husband, John) Kusturin of Springfield, Tricia Casper of Springfield, Shari (husband, Chris) DiPasquale of Springfield, and Karen (husband, Bob) Ferry; 11 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; as well as two nephews. A funeral ceremony will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2008 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL 62703, with Lonnie Clemens officiating. Private family burial will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to Carpenter's Park c/o Friends of Sangamon Valley, 1619 S. Pasfield Park, Springfield, IL 62704.