Russel M Pope

Russel M. Pope, 81, passed away on February 28, 2025, surrounded by his family at his country residence in rural Carlyle, IL, where he and his wife had resided since November of 2021.

Russel was born on Tuesday October 5, 1943, to Ralph D. and Geraldine O. (May) Pope in Sorento, in a section of the town known as “Oklahoma.” He attended the Sorento Grade School and graduated with the class of 1961 from Bond County Community Unit #2.

Russel and the former Evelyn Towell were married in the Sorento First Presbyterian Church by the late Rev. James Howie on June 8, 1963, and enjoyed over 61 years of marriage. Evelyn survives.

Russel worked 23 years for Monterey Coal Company, in both #1 in Carlinville and #2 in Albers, as laborer and later as supervisor. He was an active member of the Sorento First Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder for over 40 years. He enjoyed helping at the church with projects and required maintenance. After relocating to Clinton County, he had attended Wisetown Baptist Church. He was a fifty year member of the Sorento Masonic Lodge 861, which later joined the New Douglas Lodge.

Russel enjoyed being outside when the weather was nice, and in recent years had put up bluebird boxes which had produced several clutches of bluebirds that he enjoyed watching grow. Russel enjoyed being involved in the activities of his grandchildren, Bethany and Dustin, family gatherings and quiet moments, alike.

Russel is survived by:

His wife, Evelyn Pope

Daughter, Julie (Dean) Carrillon of Carlyle

Grandchildren, Bethany and Dustin Carrillon

Sister, Geraldine (Lonnie) Griffiths of Sorento

Aunt, Shirlene (Andy) Dougherty of Kincaid

Uncle, Eldon May of Paoli, IN

Several cousins and many dear nieces and nephews.

Russel was preceded in death by his grandparents, the Mays and the Popes; his parents, Ralph and Geraldine Pope; a brother Gary (Kay survives) of New Orleans; his sister Karen McCracken and brother-in-law Orin McCracken.

Funeral services for Russel will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, March 6, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church in Sorento; Brother Tom Rankin will officiate. Burial will be in Sunnyside Cemetery in Sorento. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at the church.

Memorials are suggested to the Sorento First Presbyterian Church, Wisetown Baptist Church, Sunnyside Cemetery or the donor’s choice. Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield is serving the family. 

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