Russell was born in New Windsor, IL on August 16, 1934 to W. Gayle Plunkett and Thomas Vance. He was one of five children.
He was drafted in the United States Army in 1957 and served overseas in France during which time he received Good Conduct Medal and Marksman awards. On April 16, 1966, Russell married Judith Scharfenberg and the couple had one son. Together they were members of Southpark Presbyterian Church of Rock Island, IL.
Russell worked as a journeyman mainman for MidAmerican Energy and retired in 1990. Russell was a family man and a father figure to several of his son’s friends. He enjoyed the outdoors, mowing the lawn and tinkering with his vehicles. Russell had a huge smile and loving heart. He was a great friend to many and he will be missed.
He is survived by his wife Judy Vance, son Stephen Vance, and two granddaughters Hayden & Harper Vance of Rock Island, IL and sister, Phyllis Wilson of Milan, IL.
Visitation will be 5-7pm on Thursday, January 27th at Runge Funeral Home in Davenport, Iowa. A graveside service will take place at 1030am on Friday, January 28th at the Rock Island Arsenal. Anyone wishing to attend the graveside service is asked to please join the family at the Runge Mortuary at 9:30am to join the funeral procession over to the island.
