Russell John "Russ" Crockett's Obituary
On Tuesday, August 27, 2024 Russell “Russ" John Crockett left this world while sitting in his chair holding hands with the love of his life, Kathy, and with his beloved dog, Clyde, on his lap. Russell was born on November 5, 1940. He was the son of Maureen (Quirke) Crockett Gagnon and Harrison Crockett and stepson of Alphonse Gagnon. He had an extraordinary childhood living on a remote island off the coast of Maine called North Haven. It was here he would see his first airplane as a child and form the dream of flying one day. But first, he learned the art of fishing for lobster, hunting, logging, plumbing, boating, and how to drive a team of horses hauling logs through the woods. He may have left North Haven, but North Haven never left his heart. When Russ left the island to begin his life, he went to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Miami, FL to learn how to fly. He joined the Army and was a member of the 101'st airborne where he would perform hundreds of parachute jumps. After finishing with the Army, Russ moved to Decatur, IL where Kathryn (Kathy) Lynn Waters (later Crockett) stole his heart at first sight. He married Kathy on July 3, 1970. They lived in Decatur, Illinois where they welcomed their two sons into the world. During these days, he flew for Staley and ADM as a corporate pilot. Another labor of love Russ embarked upon was to restore a 1941 Stearman airplane. He had help from his family and friends as he made his dream a reality in the colors of black and red. Many will remember seeing his masterpiece at the Decatur Airport. Missing him are his wife Kathryn (Kathy) Crockett, sons Sean Crockett, and Lucas (Betsy) Crockett, sister Nancy (Merton) Howard, grandchildren Eli, Cailyn (Lyn), Mackenzie, and Emma Crockett, nephew Merton (Susan) Howard, niece Kate Berger, Tim Howard, and a great niece and nephews. Russ was well known at the Decatur airport and leaves behind many friends he made through flying. He was also a motorcycle enthusiast and leaves behind friends he loved to ride with. He will be met in heaven by his parents, in laws, and friends he made throughout his life. On Saturday September 7, 2024 there will be a visitation from 10-11 am with a funeral service following at Moran & Goebel Funeral Home, 2801 N Monroe St, Decatur, Il. Attire is casual, but if guests would like to remember Russ by wearing his "uniform" of a black tee shirt and blue jeans, they may. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Waterman's Community Center, North Haven, Maine, or the Young Eagles chapter 274 in Decatur Illinois. It has been said that life is a gift, love is a gift, and when both are bestowed, you have a life well lived (Kate Miller-Wilson 2023). With these credentials in mind, one could say that Russ had a life well lived and then some.
Condolences can be left for the family at www.moranandgoebel.com
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