Russell served in the Army Air Corp in World War II.
He was proceded in death by his parents, Walter A. and Thelma Graff; a brother, Walter A. Graff; and a sister, June VeDova.
Surviving are his wife of 71 years, Ann (Saltzman) Graff; his two daughters, Pat (Tom) Frick of Belleville, IL, and Carol (Eric) Amel of Boston, MA; grandchildren, Chris Eckley of Wildwood, MO, Chad (Beth) Eckley of Lake St. Louis, MO, Kate Amel of Boston, MA and Lexi Amel of Boston, MA; and his great grandchildren, Chase, Claire and Campbell Eckley of Lake St. Louis, MO.
Memorials may be made to St. Matthew Methodist Church, Belleville, IL and will be accepted there.
Visitation: Visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, July 6, 2018, at St. Matthew Methodist Church, Belleville.
Services: Memorial service held on Friday, July 6, 2018, at 11 a.m. at St. Matthew Methodist Church 1200 Moreland Dr., Belleville, IL, 62223.