Russell Eugene Carlock, 92, of Sparta, joined Christ in Heaven, on Dec. 22, 2023.
Russell - “Tuffy” as he was known by many - was born July 17, 1931, in Snicarte, Illinois, to Walker Franklin Sr. and Nellie Maude Carlock.
Russ served as a sergeant with the First Marine Reconnaissance Unit in the Korean War, from 1951-1953. Upon his return, he married Charlene Lerrie Boaz, on Feb. 26, 1954, in Meredosia, Illinois. Russ worked for the Corps of Engineers for 36 years and retired in 1986.
Russell loved Christ with his whole heart and always wanted his family to feel the same. Over the years, he served as a leader in several churches and was currently attending, with Carrie, at “The Way,” in Doyle.
Russ enjoyed tinkering with anything he thought he could fix, even if there were leftover parts. Russ usually played Yahtzee with Charley (mom), as he often called her, every morning with his cup of coffee. He also enjoyed playing other games, with family members, win or lose.
Russell was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Walter; his sister, Mary; half-brother, Arnold; and many other family members.
Surviving family members include his wife, Charlene Carlock; sons, Steve (Sherry) Carlock, Stan (Kelli) Carlock; daughter, Sue (Ken) Miller; grandchildren, Jeremy (Karen) Turner, Shauna (Chris) Hidlebaugh, Shane (Lauren) Carlock, Jenny (Nathan) Lamb, Randy Miller, Brooke (Tristan) Tischer, Eden Carlock; and great-grandchildren, Kolton Turner, Lily Hidlebaugh, Charlie Carlock, Izzie Lamb, Aurora Lamb, Aleina Lomeli, Caidence Lomeli, and Kealian Tischer.
Funeral service will be noon, Dec. 30, 2023, at Oak Lawn Funeral Home. Bryce Murphy will officiate. Burial, with full military honors provided by the Veteran’s Honor Guard, will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery. The family will welcome friends 10 a.m.-noon, Dec. 30, at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Randy Miller, Shane Carlock, Tristan Tischer, Andrew Storbeck, Jimmy Walker, and Jonathan Demps.
Honorary pallbearers will be Jeremy Turner, Nathan Lamb, and Johnny Harness.
Oak Lawn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
