Bernard Russell Whitlow, Sr.

Bernard Russell Whitlow, Sr, age 83, of Hillsboro IL, passed away on Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at 8:25 a.m. at St. Francis Hospital, Litchfield, IL. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Bass Patton Dean Funeral Home, Hillsboro with Rev. Ralph Ward, Hillsboro, officiating.  Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, Hillsboro, with Military Rites at graveside presented by V.F.W. Post #1306 and American Legion #425.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 27, from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Russell was born on December 25, 1934 at Barnett IL to the late John Ray and Irene Elizabeth (Nieft) Whitlow. He was a graduate of Litchfield Community High School,Class of 1952 and then served with the Navy during the Korean Conflict from 1952 to 1955. He was a farmer and worked as a laborer out of Labor Hall #477, Springfield IL. He was an Indian Artifact enthusiast and member of the IL State Archaeological Society; 4-H Leader for 25 years; Yorkshire Hog Breeder for over 50 years and had showed at all the fairs, including the State Fair. Mr. Whitlow had resided in Barnett, Litchfield, and Hillsboro IL.

He married Shirley Stuttle in February, 1956 and they were later divorced.  His marriage to Sue Robertson took place on December 10, 1973 at Hillsboro IL and Sue survives at Hillsboro. Also surviving are son, Junior "J.R." Whitlow, wife Michelle Clinard Whitlow, Hillsboro IL; daughter, Susan Robinson, husband Richard Robinson, Sullivan IL; step-daughter, Brenda Riggio, husband Dominic Riggio, Carterville IL; step-sons, Jim Woolard, wife Denna Woolard, Butler IL and Jeff Woolard, Nokomis, IL; 18 grandchildren, Brandi Whitlow Reynolds, Daniel Scot Whitlow, Brooke Whitlow Mullink, R. Cuyler Robinson, Ryan G. Robinson, Rachel Robinson Bonfitto, Chris Green, Leslie Green Torres, Ashley Green, Josh Woolard, Amanda Woolard Ray, Kristy Woolard, Maria Woolard Woodside, Shane Woolard, Jesse Woolard, Jennifer Woolard Owens, Dominque Riggio, and Anthony Riggio; 17 great-grandchildren; and sister, Rosalie "Babe" Towell.  Preceding in death were one son, Tim Whitlow in 1979; one great-grandson; sisters, Ruth House, Doris Nagel and one brother in infancy. 

Memorials are suggested to Land of Lincoln Honor Flight.

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