Johnny Russell

Johnny Russell, age 63 passed away on Friday, May 30, 2025, at Citadel. John Russell was born on January 9, 1962, in Kankakee IL. He attended high school in Bonfield IL. After high school, John began his career as a welder working at Fir Fencing company for 3 years. He then proceeded with his career as a truck driver for 4 years. John then started working as a mechanic for Weber (working on trucks). His career ended in 2021 when he was diagnosed with bladder cancer. He met his beloved sweet heart in 1992 (Cheryl April) for 33 years and gained stepdaughter Jennifer. In 2002 he had his first grandson Jalen, followed by granddaughters Makayla, born in 2004, and Makenzie, born in 2009. John truly lived life to the fullest. John loved spending time with Cheryl making memories, especially while traveling over the road as a truck driver. He enjoyed spending his free time fishing (teaching his daughter and grandkids) along with working on cars with his brother Richard. He was great at being there for all his grandkids, guiding them through the many struggles of life. John had a heart of gold, always reliable for not only his family, but also his friends and even strangers. He helped so many people within his lifetime, it didn't matter what it was for or what time of day it was, he was there to help with a smile on his face. He was always around when friends and family needed help working on cars, changing water heaters or furnaces, and even chasing bats out of his daughter's house, and so much more. He was the handyman of all traits for his family and friends, and he enjoyed every minute of it. John is survived by his significant other Cheryl, Stepdaughter Jennifer (April) of Bourbonnais IL; Grandson Jalen (April) and two Granddaughters Makayla (Jones) and Makenzie (April); brother Donald Russell of FL, and sister Lana Russell of Wayne City, IL; Sister-in-laws Karen Russell of CO and Rhonda Russell of IL and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Ellsworth "Bud" and Stella (Butcher) Russell; two Brothers Richard and David Russell. There will be a ceremony on June 13th at the Kankakee State Park (Rock Creek pavilion) from 3pm-6pm