Russell Albert

Russell Dean Albert, 86, of Chatham, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, May 4, 2017, at Memorial Medical Center. He was born July 13, 1930, in Springfield to Jesse and Myrtle Marie Richards Albert. Russ was raised by his mother and his stepfather, Arch Cantrall. He was preceded in death by his parents, step-father, sisters, Ileen Heyland, Geraldine Johnson, brothers, Eldon and Floyd Albert. Russ graduated from Lanphier High School, Indiana Central College, Illinois State University, and Northern Colorado University in Greeley, where he received his doctorate in Educational Psychology. His passion was education and he served as teacher, coach, counselor, principal and superintendent over many years throughout Illinois. After retiring from education, he was employed by the State of Illinois, Office of the Comptroller. He was well known around the Springfield area as a sports official and received a 40-year plaque from the IHSA. Russ served his county in the US Army, 1952-1954, during the Korean War and then joined the reserves until being discharged in 1960. He married Rose Mary Sommer June 6, 1959, in Springfield. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 57 years, Rose; son, Gary (Tammy) Albert of Springfield; daughters, Karen Hembrough of Lafayette, IN and Sharon (John) Purlee of Byron Center, MI; grandchildren, Joshua (Katy) Hembrough, Mariah Albert, Ashtin, Danielle, and Jason Purlee, Jessica Helton; great grandsons, Pete and Ben Hembrough; brother-in-law, Frank (Gena) Sommer of Pleasant Plains; several nieces and nephews. The Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County will conduct military honors at 9:00am, Monday, May 8, at Chatham United Methodist Church, 104 West Chestnut Street, Chatham, IL, 62629. His family will then greet friends from 9:15am until the time of the funeral ceremony at 11:00am, with Reverend Sara Isbell officiating. Burial will follow at Old Salem Cemetery in Gardner Township. Memorial contributions may be made to the Chatham United Methodist Church. Staab Polk Memorial Home, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham, IL, is serving the Albert family. Please visit www.staabpolk.com to offer your condolences.