Russell Orval Hamende 87, of St. Elmo, Illinois, went to be with the lord at 10:40 PM on Friday, August 1, 2014 in Shelbyville, IL.

The funeral will be at C & A Pagel Funeral Home in St. Elmo, IL. on Wednesday August 6 ^th at  11 a.m. with  one hour viewing prior to service. Minister Jim Giffin will be officiating.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7 on Tuesday, August 5, 2014 at C & A Pagel Funeral Home, St. Elmo, IL.   Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, American Heart Association or the Veterans Memorial Wall in St. Elmo, in lieu of flowers.

Russell was born in Martinton, Illinois on July 12 ^th 1926, to Victor and Maude (Jackson) Hamende.  Russell married Louise Jackson on February 14 ^th , 1953.  Russell and Louise were married 59 years prior to Louise's death on July 27 ^th 2012.  Russell was employed at Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America for over 25 years, retiring at the age of 55.  Russell worked many other part time jobs after his retirement including selling watermelon and cantaloupe, as a bartender, tearing down homes, owned and operated R and L Lunch Stand which traveled with Hannagan Auctions and any volunteer work Russ could find to keep him busy.  Russell was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in St. Elmo, a member of the Knights of Columbus, past member and Commander of the Altamont VFW Post 7676 and the American Legion. Russell was an active volunteer at several area nursing homes as well as Catholic Charities.  He enjoyed fishing, bowling on a league and dancing with Louise at the VFW. Russell served in the Korean War and received the Korean Service Medal with 3 bronze stars, United Nation Service Metal, Army Occupation Metal- Japan and a Combat Infantry Badge. For 12 years Russell and Louise traveled to Florida for the winters, making many new friends.

Russell is survived by daughter Wanda (husband Donald) Pasley of Beecher City, grandson, Michael (wife Christina) Pasley and granddaughter, Laura (husband Garrick) Moreland both of Beecher City. IL; 4 great-grandson's, Bryce Pasley, Devon Moreland, Jarrett Pasley and Hunter Moreland all of Beecher City, IL; great-granddaughter Emily Bone of Beecher City, IL;  brother, Harold Hamende of Bradley, IL.; sister, Betty (husband Paul) Lovall of Bradley, IL. ; five brothers in law, eight sisters in law, 49 nieces and nephews and many great- nieces and great-nephews.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters, Carolyn Hamende and Christina Hamende; four brothers Melvin Hamende, Joe Hamende, Don Hamende, Gerald Hamende; two sisters, Evadeen Hamende and June Harling; 3 nieces and 2 nephews.