Russel Leeland - son of Thomas and Sarah
B. February 9, 1916 in Perry County, Illinois.
M. Helen Francis June 16, 1951
D. May 3, 1997, Cutler
Burial: Cottom Cemetery
Dad, Russel, Uncle Russel, Russ.... what can you say about this guy? He was the friendliest, funniest, person who always had a sparkle in his eye and a joke or a tease, and he could make anyone smile. I loved hearing the story about him celebrating his 80th birthday in a bar in Texas, where he met lots of folks, who, when Russel left the bar with his family, all stood up and waved and said "good-bye, Russel!"
When he was a young man he dreamed of being a baseball player; however, he lost his left arm in a tragic car accident. Who can say what must of went through his mind as a young man, having to face something like this? But Russel was a model for us all - he lived his life without bitterness or regret, still playing some ball after this accident, but more significantly, coaching girls' softball teams from the 1940's to the 1980's. His three girls, Judy, Becky, and Debbie all played on his team. On 11 Sept 1997 several of us gathered to commemorate "Russel's Field" - the baseball diamond located on the grounds of the village civic center in Cutler.
Russel - may we be blessings to others as you have been a blessing to us! We all want to be on your team!
