Russell F. Fairchild
Russell F. Fairchild, age 93, of Quincy, died Sunday, August 25, 2024 in Blessing Hospital. He was born on December 19, 1930 in St. Louis, MO the son of Russell Samuel and Gladys Marie (Weinkein) Fairchild. He married Mary Louise Barth on July 26, 1952 in St. Louis, MO. She survives. He served in the United States Navy from 1952 to 1955 and served in the Korean War, achieving the rank of Lieutenant. Russ was of the Catholic Faith. He fought the good fight and was faithful to the very end.
Russ was a 1948 graduate of St. Francis de Sales High School in St. Louis, MO. While in high school he was an accomplished soccer player, baseball player and singer. After High School Russ attended the St. Louis College of Pharmacy and graduated in 1952. He immediately went into OCS (Officers Candidate School) to become an officer in the United States Navy. Dad often commented that he got credit for serving his country, but Mary (his wife) served as well by taking care of the family and making so many sacrifices
while he was gone and that she deserved just as much credit. In 1960 Russ and Mary packed up their 7 kids and moved from St. Louis, Mo to Quincy, IL and made Quincy their home. They welcomed 3 more children in Quincy, which completed their family. Russ spent the majority of his working career as the Director of Pharmacy at the former St. Mary Hospital. He so enjoyed the time he spent there and especially the people he worked with that he continued to go to the St. Mary Hospital reunions until he was 90.
Russ served on the Right to Life of Adams County Board and served a term as president. He was a member of the Great River Barbershop Chorus, was the lead singer in a Barbershop Quartet called the Monarchs and sang in the Church of St. Peter Choir. He also had the great joy of being able to sing in the weddings of many of his children. In 2007 he formed a quartet that included his son Ralph and his daughters Liz and Amy. They sang 4 part harmony and in between songs Russ would tell jokes and share stories. He had a great sense of humor and was a gifted joke and story teller.
His greatest passion was his family and it is where he focused most of his time and attention. He loved his wife and could hardly believe his good fortune to have her. He considered the birth of each of his children a miracle and each one a precious gift. He adored every grandchild, great-grandchild and great-great-grandchild and considered them a precious and unique gift from God. He spent his life trying to get to know each one individually.
In addition to his wife, Russ is survived by:
CHILDREN: Anne Bybee (Bruce) of Quincy; Russ L. Fairchild (Peggy) of Seattle, WA; Rich Fairchild (Jennifer) of Perry, MO; Margaret Leeper (Tom) of Lima, IL; Ralph Fairchild (Mary) of Quincy; Ray Fairchild (Shirley) of Quincy; Teresa Fairchild-Light (Phil) of Sarasota, FL; Patty Klos (Leon) of Springfield, IL; Liz McReynolds (Kirk) of Hannibal, MO; and Amy Fairchild of Quincy.
GRANDCHILDREN: Jennifer (Shawn) Dickerman, Laura Schreacke (Mike Turner), Mathew Schreacke, Christina (Zach) Robb; Gretchan (Andre) Kion, Rusty (Tara) Fairchild, Mary Margaret Fairchild (Kevin Ward), Emily Garrett; Todd Fairchild; Julie (Jimmie) Louthan, Robyn (Michael) Danz, Thomas (Kim) Obert, Angie Leeper, Jeff (Mehgan) Leeper; Keith (Heather) Bockhold, Kevin (Beth) Bockhold, Tony Fairchild, Lori Fairchild; Laura Light Pearson (Steve), Larry (Kathy) Light, Chris Mitchell; Jean (Nick) Saidai, Garth (Katelyn) Klos; Adam Scott, Michelle McReynolds, Sarah McReynolds; Becky Walker and Leah Walker.
A BROTHER: Marvin (Lori) Fairchild
Numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives survive.
Russ was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Robert and Melvin Fairchild and grandson David Light.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 9:30 AM in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home and at 10:00 AM in St. Peter Catholic Church. Interment in Calvary Cemetery with military rites conducted at the cemetery by the American Legion Post #37 and the United States Navy Honor Detail. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 30, 2024 from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Adams County Right to Life or to the Birthright of Adams County, IL. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Russ was like a father to me as he was my dad’s best friend before I was born. He was the sweetest man.
He also had the most beautiful voice and I’m sure he’s singing joyous songs in heaven. ❤️
My eyes fill with tears as I was planning on visiting Russ and his wife Mary on Sept 9th when I would be in Quincy..
Rest in peace Russ. Love you and will miss you dearly. Annie
Russ was such a wonderful and kind man. He had a great sense of humor and a concern for all. His wife is a beautiful person, inside and out, and together they raised an amazing family. He will be truly missed, but, we all know he is at peace with his Heavenly Father.
Condolences to the family. I had the pleasure of knowing Russ from working as a nurse at St.Mary Hospital. Always friendly and helpful.
One of the many “Dads” those of us who grew up in Riverside Terrace in the 60’s had. Such a nice man! He and Mary raised a baseball team of wonderful kids who helped make the neighborhood a great place to grow up. He was a fantastic vocalist and passed his talent on to several of his children. Our deepest condolences to the entire family! May God grant you peace at this difficult and sad time. ❤️
Russ was one of the 1st pharmacists I worked with straight out of Nursing school. He was always so patient, kind and professional and what a great sense of humor! My condolences Fairchild family on the liss of this wonderful man, he was so proud of each of you.
Sending love to the Fairchild family. I spent many hours at their home on North 18th while growing up and have fond memories .
Ralph, Mary and Family – I am sorry for your loss – I wish you peace
To all his family our sympathy pours out. He and Mary treated us like family, always giving us hugs ! We enjoyed being with them at birthday parties! I also was honored taking pics at their celebration of their anniversary!They raised a great family n he was so proud of them! I know your memories and his stories will always be with you. I know he has a place in Heaven singing with the choir of angels! Love u all!
Deepest condolences Liz. God bless you and your family at this time. I’ll keep you all in my prayers.
Russ was such a pleasure to work with at St. Mary Hospital. Such a professional and intelligent Director of Pharmacy. Rest in Peace. 🙏🙏
Ralph, Mary, & the entire Fairchild family, Bud and I send our thoughts and prayers to all of you during this difficult time.
So sorry for your loss you are in our prayers
Prayers to you all. So sorry for your loss.
Thank you Don.
Sending love and prayers to all the Fairchilds . Many fond childhood memories of riding bikes and hanging at their home. Now the Angels get to sing with Russ.
Russ was my boss, the director of the Pharmacy at St. Mary Hospital, when I worked in the Pharmacy during High School and College, 1976-1981. Such a kind and lovely man. My sympathies to the family, his large family, on their significant loss. I always thought so highly of him. One of the good ones! 😉
Ralph, Mary and Fairchild family , I’m so sorry for your loss. It was such a pleasure to hear his beautiful voice and wonderful to know he passed it on his children. He will always be with you in spirit.
We are remembering Russ as he walked the halls of St. Mary Hospital leaving his footprints on the St. Mary Hospital legacy.
He demonstrated the mission and exemplified the shared values of Compassion, Competence, Collaboration and Creativity to find better ways to serve.
The St. Mary Hospital community sends our deepest sympathy to Mr. Fairchild’s family, friends and co-workers.
St. Mary Hospital Friends
Dearest Fairchild Family,
It was our honor and pleasure to know Russ, and to be accepted into his and Mary’s loving family.
Russ served his country, his community and his growing family, and was always smiling when we were together, or telling a story about one of the kids, or grands..Our hearts are sad but we know that he is singing with the Von Trapp family up in Heaven.
With our love and hugs,
Larry, Kathy and Lindsay Light
XOOX
Amy, your dad was grateful and pleasant when I took meals to them. I also heard him sang and in heaven choir just got a joyful voice!! Love & Prayers
Ralph, Mary, Margaret and Tom,
May God give you all peace, strength and joy!
Mark and Sue Sorensen
To the Fairchild family – our Deepest Sympathies and Prayers 🙏
Russ was a kind soul, loving in every way! The choir in Heaven has gained a strong, fearless and powerful ANGEL!
Love to all, Mike and Janice Zanger 💖
What a gentleman. I had the fortune of calling on him at St Mary’s when promoting pharmaceuticals, he was always so supportive. So enjoyed our professional and personal conversations. His voice will be missed, however, a great addition to the heavenly choir.