Donald M. Russell, 87, of Washington, IL, passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at the ARC in Chillicothe, IL.

Don was born on November 8, 1937, in Peoria, the son of Howard and Julia Russell. He married Patricia Alton on July 20, 1955, in Peoria. Don graduated as a tool and die maker from the Caterpillar Apprentice program in 1961. Don worked at Caterpillar in various roles, from the tool room to HR management, until his retirement. He also served as pastor at Faith Bible Church and several other churches during his career. After his retirement, he worked as a consultant and started several small businesses.

Don was a very beloved father, grandfather, and friend to everyone he met. His pride and joy were his sons and grandchildren. He had a joyful, outgoing personality and was known to hand out his phone number to people he had just met and tell them to call him if they needed anything. His generous and kind personality was a bright light to everyone he met.

Surviving are his wife and two sons, Bill Russell of Washington and Joshua (Anna) Russell of Peoria. Also surviving are ten grandchildren. One infant brother, Jerry Dale, and one brother, Thomas, preceded him in death.

A funeral service is scheduled for 1 pm on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington. Visitation will begin an hour and a half before his service. Burial will follow his service at Glendale Cemetery in Washington. Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington has been entrusted with arrangements.