Delbert 'Russ' Neild St.

Delbert Russ Neild Sr, 71, of Tilton, passed away at 11:58pm, March 22, 2011, at his home. He was born on January 14, 1940, in Bethel, IL, the son of Robert and Erschel {Stark} Neild, both deceased. He was also preceded in death by: his brothers, Donald, Joseph, Marlin, & Robert; and his sisters, Elsie Rumple, & Elma Hornbeck. Russ was first married to Carolyn Dowers on January 17, 1959, in Georgetown; then later married Sharon Mercer on November 24, 1989. She will miss him dearly. He will also be missed by: his son, Delbert R. Russ (Jamie) Neild Jr. of Jones, MI; his daughters, Christy (Lee) Smitley of Georgetown, Nancy Neild of Urbana, Teresa (Ron) Deaton of London, KY, and stepdaughter, Tia (Randy) Phillips of Danville; his fourteen grandchildren; two great grandchildren; his brothers, Paul Leo Neild & Roger William Neild; and his sisters, Elizabeth Vandevender, Mary Jane McCool, & Susie Collom. Russ was a Veteran of the US Marine Corp Reserves. He worked for Danville Metal Stamping for 45 years as a welder. He enjoyed singing & playing guitar, as well as, listening to Bluegrass music. Russ also enjoyed doing blacksmithing in his shop. He attended Liberty Independent Church. Most of all, Russ loved spending time with his family and friends. A Celebration of Russ life will be held at 1:00pm, Sunday, March 27, 2011, at Sunsets Houghton-Leasure Funeral Chapel, A Life Celebration Home, in Georgetown, with Pastor Glen Thompson officiating. Visitation will be held 3pm-7pm, Saturday, March 26, 2011, at the funeral home. As per his wishes, Russ will be cremated under the immediate supervision of Sunsets Houghton-Leasure Chapel at the Sunset Crematory. Memorial donations may be given in Russ name to The Liberty Independent Church, east of Georgetown.