William Charles Russell

William C. Russell, 99, of Davenport, IA, formerly of Waterloo, IA, died Monday, March 11, 2019, at Clarissa Cook Hospice Home, Bettendorf, IA.

William was born February 15, 1920, in Webb, IA, son of William Franklin and Kathryn Elizabeth Briggs Russell.

He graduated from Dickson, IL High School in 1940. He served in U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II in the European Theater and honorable discharged with rank of S Sgt. In 2013, he went on the Veterans Honor Flight to Washington, DC.

William married Jeanne Millett in 1942 and they divorced. He married Lena K. Barbee in December 1952 and they divorced. William and Jeanne reunited in marriage March 3, 1991; she died February 11, 1999.

He worked at John Deere for seven years, and retired in 1983 as a maintenance superintendent from the Waterloo Rec Center after 14 years. After retirement, he worked at Russell’s Automotive, Econo-Foods, County Market, John Lamb Service Station, Smitty’s Tire & Appliance, and other service stations.

He was a member of River’s Edge Christian Church, Waterloo American Legion Post #138, and volunteered at the food bank. He enjoyed working on cars, casinos, playing cards, camping and boating. He loved his country and dogs.

William is survived by his daughter, Pam Roper of Independence; three sons, William C. Russell II of Waterloo, David (Anne) Russell of Davenport, and Scott (Evelyn) Russell of Waterloo; step-daughter, Bette Tarantino of WA; step-son, Ralph (Mary) O’Neil of Orting‚ WA; 16 grandchildren and 4 step grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren and 6 step great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his grandson, Michael Russell; and two sisters, Evelyn Waters, and Lorene Brink.