Russell W. “Bill” Carls, Jr., 83, of Taylorville, IL died at 7:02 am Thursday, September 10, 2015 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.
He was born October 21, 1931 in Beardstown, IL the son of Russell William and Olive Elizabeth Langden Carls, Sr. Bill and his brother Bob worked together in partnership as farmers in the Edinburg and Stonington areas for many years. He was a Navy Veteran, member of Stonington American Legion and was past president of the Illinois American Agricultural Movement. He was one of the many farmers that drove their tractors in the “Tractorcade” protest to Washington, DC in the 70’s. He was also a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Bill married Lorraine Henrietta Wattelet on November 26, 1950 in Stonington, IL. She preceded him in death on October 19, 1985. He then married Delores V. “Dee” Brown on August 1, 1988 at Thorn Chapel Church in Arkansas. She preceded him in death this past August 8, 2015.
Surviving are his Sons: Kirk Carls and wife Laura of Springfield and Matt Carls and wife Tracey of Edinburg; Daughter: Annie O’Leary and husband Mike of Temple, TX; Grandchildren: Michael O’Leary and wife Jeanie, Jenny King, Marti Carls, Sarah Durham, Danielle Durham, Dustin Carls and wife Miranda and Shilyn Grossmann and husband Jacob; Brother: Bob Carls and wife Deloris of Stonington; Step-Children: Jay Brown of Highland, Kim Brown and wife Janet Gaither of Blue Mound and Teresa Phillips and husband Greg of Taylorville; Step-Grandchildren: Jake Phillips and wife Trisha, Lori Horn and husband Brad, Lana Casica and husband Tim, Jason Brown and wife Michelle, Jackie Wiedulilt and husband Andy and Jake Phillips and wife Trisha. There are 9 Great Grandchildren and 11 Step-Great Grandchildren and 12 Nieces and Nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, 2 wives, and two daughters: Christine Goby and Nancy King.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am Monday, September 14 at McClure Funeral Home with Monsignor David Lantz officiating. Burial with Military Honors by Stonington American Legion Post will take place in Old Stonington Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Sunday in McClure Funeral Home, Taylorville.
McClure Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memories of Bill or condolences to the family may be sent online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.
