Russell Wayne Killen

It is with great sorrow we share the passing of our father, grandfather, and brother, Russell Wayne Killen, on Sunday, November 13, 2022. He died while doing what he loved to do - sorting through his father’s WWII medals and his own memorabilia from his military and boxing experience. He is preceded in death by Robert Lee Killen (brother), Russell Merril Killen (father), and Norma Rowena Nevins (mother). He is survived by his sons, Jason (Brittnee) Killen of Chillicothe and Michael (Kayleigh) Killen of Springfield; his loving sisters, Debra (Larry) Killough of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Sharon (Raymond) Felts of St. Louis, Missouri. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Isaac Killen, Dalton Killen, Anastasia Killen, Colten Killen, Harrison Killen, Scarlett Killen, and many cousins.

Russell felt a deep love for his country and was proud of his service as a 2nd Generation 82nd Airborne Paratrooper. He was a boxing champion in his 82nd Airborne Battalion. He was a graduating member of Springfield High School Class of 1973. Russell had a great passion when it came to teaching his boys and grandchildren about hunting, fishing, camping, and playing sports. He was known as a selfless and kind-hearted person who would drop everything to help someone out when asked or needed.

Russell had a sense of humor. Once when he was at Best Buy with his sons, Mike and Jason, Jason was in the demonstration room with a salesman when he heard someone turn up the car audio really loud outside the glass demonstration room window. He turned around to look only to see Russell and Mike standing in the window dancing like Will Farrell and Chris Kattan in the movie, “A Night at the Roxbury.” Another story remembered by many was during high school, being good at gymnastics, he climbed into the rafters at Springfield High School and drew a picture of a “Kilroy was Here” type drawing.

We will all miss our beloved Russell greatly and will forever hold him in our hearts. May you rest in peace. Say hi to Dad and Grandpa for us. We are sure you are bellied up to the bar in heaven with him and his war buddies having a cold one.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Monday, November 28, 2022, at Boardman-Smith Funeral Home, 800 S. Grand Ave. West, Springfield, IL.

The family will host a Graveside Ceremony at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 28, 2022, at Camp Butler National Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County and the Department of Defense.