Russell Lee York

Russ York died October 11th at Heritage Health in Chillicothe. He was born in Bloomfield, Iowa on January 16, 1935 to Forrest and Maxine [Emauel] York. Russ for the most part grew up in Peoria Heights, playing in the woods before development came. He was drafted into the army and served in Germany with the cushy job of driving for a colonel. When he came home he resumed his job at Bower Buick on Main Street when it was considered auto row. Selling cars and managing dealerships was his profession for over sixty years in the Peoria area. 

You wouldn’t want to try to walk with Russ, because he was always so fast. His energy was boundless. And it was that energy that was part of his personality, reaching out to everyone in his path, friendly and always smiling. His kind words followed him wherever he went. No one ever heard a criticism come from Russ, even when wronged. 

Russ bled Cardinal Red. He was ready and willing to share the history of the Cardinals and the myriad  data that he kept filed away in his head. Even to the end he was sharing how many home runs Stan Musial had in 1948. Golf was one of his passions. He was always ready for a game in this area and anytime he was traveling. Twenty five trips to Acapulco and many other destinations in the states would not have been complete without his golf cubs traveling with him. Russ had a beautiful singing voice and would croon his vast remembrance of songs often. 

The ladies were drawn to his big beautiful blue eyes. And so the women in his life? His three sisters that doted on him, catering to his every whim. But the real diamonds in his life were his three daughters, Jennifer, Becky and Jackie. His love and pride in them was endless. 

In his last years, he came to know the Catholic Church. He attended mass daily and the day he was confirmed truly was a celebration for him. His rosary was never far from his hand. 

He is survived by his three daughters, Jennifer York, Becky [Jeff] Vigil, and Jackie [Tony] Meyer, and his sister Linda [Earl] Evans. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Beverly Snoke and Shirley Finnegan.

The family would like to thank Debra Garran his special friend, and May Ann, his Rose, at Heritage Health and OSF Community Hospice for their kind and compassionate care. A private mass will be held at a later date. 

Russ, you journey now beyond our world. May your soul be blessed by having known and loved us, as we have been blessed by love and knowing you. May our love travel with you, Russ. May all love surround you. May the Divine source of love guide you, as your soul journeys from here.

If you are reading this and knew this loyal man, please raise a Dr. Pepper in his honor and celebration of his life.

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