Russell Crosby

Rev. Russell Crosby, a faith-filled, spirited, and loving individual, passed away on October 6, 2023, in Rock Island, IL. Born on July 24, 1931, in Milan, IL, to Clarence and Elsie (Carley) Crosby, Russell lived a life of deep commitment to the Lord and profound love for his family.

Russell was a 1949 graduate of Moline High School and furthered his education at the Holiness Methodist School of Theology, graduating in 1955. Following his graduation, he married the love of his life, Lila Foreman, on September 2, 1955, in Minneapolis, MN. Their love story was one of enduring strength, spanning over six decades, and blessed with five children.

His career was marked by dedication and hard work, spending 55 years in customer service and inside sales for Dimock & Gould. Russell was a well-respected figure in his community, serving as a past president for the city of Moline Dad's Club and taking an active leadership role in the former Moline Evangelical Church.

Russell's interests extended beyond his professional and religious commitments. He was known for doing crossword puzzles in ink and was a notorious joke-teller. He was an avid sports enthusiast, showing unwavering support for all Moline High School Athletic programs. He bowled in the Splinter-Mix Bowling League and participated in the church softball league. He continued to stay active at Friendship Manor through bingo and Wii bowling.

Above all, Russell's love for the Lord was the most defining aspect of his life. He had an unwavering commitment to his faith, and it was the compass that guided his life, a beacon of light that shone brightly in his actions and interactions with others.

Russell is survived by his wife, Lila; daughters, Crystal (Steve) Rogers and Cindy Crosby; sons, Curt Crosby, Chuck (Ahna Hoke) Crosby, and Carey Crosby; brother, Tom (Charlene) Crosby; grandchildren, Caleb (Jill) Crosby, Jason (Suzy) Crosby, Chris (Tierney) Crosby, Katie (Princeton) Dudley; and his great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Noah, P.J., BrynLeigh, Madison, Elijah, and Ezekiel. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Esther and Marilyn, and his brothers, Leroy and Bobby.

Services for Rev. Russell Crosby will be held at 1 pm on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at Wendt Funeral Home, Moline. A visitation will be from 11 am until 1 pm before the service. A private family burial service will be in Greenview Memorial Gardens, Silvis.

Memorials may be made to the Benevolent Fund at Friendship Manor, Rock Island.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and express condolences on his Memory Page at wendtfuneralhome.com.