Russell Leroy Saulsbery, 78, of Niantic, passed away on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Decatur Memorial Hospital in Decatur, IL with his family by his side.

Russell (aka Rusty, Russ, Dad or Pop) was born on March 18, 1946 in Decatur, the son of Roscoe and Helen (Hall) Saulsbery. He married Vicki Files on June 19, 1971 and she survives. Russell served in the United States Army from 1966-1969 and worked as a diesel mechanic, retiring from FedEx Freight in 2016. Russell can best be described as fiercely protective and loyal to his loved ones, stubborn as hell and a firm believer in doing the job right. He had a green thumb and took pride in his massive garden and tending to his yard. He was passionate about doing the right thing and was hard on himself at times. He loved old cars, fishing, putting up his Christmas lights, playing solitaire on his phone and was an amateur genealogist.  He will be dearly missed.

Russell is preceded in death by his parents and four dogs, Max, Stella, Bridget and Molly.

He is survived by his wife, Vicki; daughters, Christina Saulsbery and Kathy (Lou) Calvetti; two granddogs Piper and Sonny and many cousins.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024 at 2:00PM at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, IL.

Fullenwider-Park Funeral Home in Illiopolis is in charge of arrangements.