C. Russell Mezo

C. Russell Mezo

C. Russell Mezo, 89, a lifelong resident of Grand Tower, died Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017, at the Marion VA Medical Center.

He was born in Sand Ridge Township in Jackson County on Sept. 5, 1927, the son of Albert and Nora Taylor Mezo.

He was educated in the schools of Grand Tower and later the AAF Aviation School at Geiger Field, Wash., where he went on to serve in the U.S. Army Squadron 2622nd AAF Base Unit during World War II and later in the Air Force-Air Corps until his date of separation with an honorable discharge on Jan. 9, 1946. For his service and dedication, he earned a Victory Medal.

His civilian occupation became the former business owner and operator of Mezo 76 Service Station in Grand Tower. Previously, his many life journeys led him to work as a truck driver, railroader and eventually to Mezo Texaco.

On June 29, 1946, he married Evelyn Hudson Mezo in Murphysboro.

He enjoyed country music and singing “karaoke.” He loved to fish and deer hunt. He was blessed with many friends and loved nothing more than telling a story or a good joke or two. When his wife Evelyn was still living they enjoyed camping and taking short trips cross-country.

He belonged to the American Legion and the Moose Lodge for many years.

Surviving Mr. Mezo are his two sons, Allan Mezo (Phyllis) of Grand Tower and John Hudson (Tina) of Grand Tower, and Kevin Mezo who was raised as family in Murphysboro. Additionally, he is survived by his daughter, Janice Raber of Grand Tower. He is also survived by his brother, Kenny (Brenda) Mezo of Grand Tower; a sister, June Freeman of Grand Tower; and two sisters-in-law, Virginia Link of St. Louis and Virginia “Jimmy” Mezo of Indian Trail, N.C. He is also survived by all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Grandchildren include Rodney (Jammie) Mezo, Ryan Houston, Adam Hudson, Allaina (Tony) Dowdy, Elena Houston, Brooke Hudson and Brandy (Sam) Baumgarte. Great-grandchildren include Brent Mezo, Trent Mezo, Morgan Mezo, Chloe Dowdy, Caleb Hudson, Maverick Baumgarte, Karter Baumgarte and Cora Dowdy. Other survivors encompass many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Mr. Mezo in death were his parents; his infant brother, Eugene Mezo; brothers Herman, Sherman and Ralph Mezo, son-in-law, Melvin Raber and grandson Caleb Raber.

Funeral services for Mr. Mezo were at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, at Meredith Funeral Home in Grand Tower Chapel, with the Rev. Gilbert Gee, the Rev. Jack Thorton and Richie Pyatt officiating. Burial followed in Walker Hill Cemetery in Grand Tower.

Memorials can be made either to the American Cancer Society, the Marion VA Nursing Home or Southern Illinois Hospice. Envelopes will be available in funeral chapel.

To share a story or memory, visit www.meredithfh.com.

Meredith Funeral Home in Grand Tower Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

The Gazette-Democrat

112 Lafayette St.
Anna, Illinois 62906
Office Number: (618) 833-2158
Email: news@annanews.com

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