Milton Lavern Russell, 81, a Van Buren County resident and native, was born Aug. 14, 1936 and passed away July 31 at his residence following a three-week illness. He was a veteran of the Tennessee Army National Guard, self-employed farmer, member of Rock Island Church of Christ, and son of the late Colley Leon and Johnnie Willene Safely Russell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by great-grandson, Calvin Henley Ingram.Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Gail and Johnny Solomon of Rock Island; son and daughter-in-law Steve and Regina Russell of Rock Island; six grandchildren and spouses, Bryan and Misty King of McMinnville, Eric and Amanda Simmons of Doyle, Whitney and Jerrod Arnold, Beth and Jeremy Duggin, Stephanie and Jared Ingram and Wes Solomon, all of Rock Island; and 15 great-grandchildren.