Russell Quentin Roosevelt, 77, of Albion, passed away at 7:25 A.M., Thursday, September 5, 2024 at his residence.

Cindy Sheely wrote the following about our friend- Russell was a very good friend and member of our Blade Family. He along with Butch started the Roosevelt/Sheely scholarship by collaborating on a Damascus pipe-hawk and auctioning it off for enough for two scholarships. He gave of his time, talent and friendship to everyone. He will be sorely missed by all and especially all the American Bladesmith Society and our prayers and love go out to Suzanne Roosevelt and Russell’s family and friends, God speed Russell, make heavenly knives and send inspiration to all of us. Peace and comfort to the family.

Russell had been a farmer. He was co-owner and operator of Stumpy Hill Farm with his father Quentin and then with brother Bryan. He was a member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Albion. Russell had been a board member and treasurer for Edwards County Farm Bureau, chairman for Edwards County Young Farmers, Treasurer for Tri County Pork Producers, and chairman for Edwards County Soil and Water Conservation. Russell’s awards and accomplishments include District Young Farmers Award in 1977, Superior Pork Producer Award in 1978 from the Illinois Pork Producers Association and Merit Award for Outstanding Accomplishment in Resource Conservation from Edwards County Soil and Water. Russell obtained his private pilot license in 1979. He also earned his Journeyman Smith from The American Bladesmith Society. He studied knifemaking for years before he ever made his first knife and made many wonderful friends in his knife making journey. Russell was a man of integrity and had the gentlest spirit. He loved God, his family, friends, and life.

He was born June 26, 1947 in Olney, IL, the son of Quentin and Ruby (Chalcraft) Roosevelt.

He married Suzanne Elliott on September 3, 1967 at the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Albion and she survives.

He is survived by his wife of Albion, two children – Erica Lynn Roosevelt and Keith Wayne Roosevelt, both of Albion, six grandchildren – Taylor Kollak and husband Storm, Brendan Mitchell and girlfriend Matti Ament, Avery Roosevelt and fiancé Levi Stockton, Ava Anderson, Addison Anderson and Drew Roosevelt, two great grandchildren – Knox Russell Mitchell and Tatum Ann Mitchell, four siblings – Linda (Roosevelt) Searby and husband David of Du Quoin, Carol (Roosevelt) Sample and husband Ronnie of Ellery, Bryan Roosevelt and wife Stacey of Albion, and Kim (Roosevelt) Gibson of Newburgh, IN, several nieces and nephews and special cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M., Monday, September 9, 2024 at the Ingram Meridith Funeral Home in Albion with Rev. Bill Bunnage officiating.