Feb. 11, 1922 – Aug. 3, 2019
Russell Owen Elgin, formerly of Philadelphia, died peacefully on Aug. 3, 2019, in Monroe, Ga. He was born Feb. 11, 1922 in Slater, Mo., to Russell Marmaduke Elgin and the former Virginia Lenore Owen.
He played defensive back and quarterback on the championship-winning Mexico High School Bulldogs football team in Mexico, Mo. In 1942, he enlisted in the United States Navy and was a plank owner of the USS New Jersey, serving in the Pacific theater in World War II until 1946.
Following the War, he moved to Philadelphia and held a long career at the Budd Company, as a pattern maker and later retired as the Shop Supervisor. He lived to see his beloved Philadelphia Eagles, which he dubbed “the worst team in the league” at the start of their 2017 Super Bowl LII winning season.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Maryanne and Frank McGovern of Monroe, Ga., son, Russell Elgin, Jr., of Tunkhannock, Penn., stepson and daughter-in-law Robert Hewitt and Josefina Benabe of Philadelphia, sister, Mary Andersen of Cottonwood, Ariz., seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
The family will receive visitors from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Aug. 8, 2019 at Guckin Funeral Mansion followed by interment and military honors at 1:00 p.m. at Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown, Penn. Arrangements by Guckin Funeral Mansion.
Tally-ho!
I worked with Russ for many years at the Budd Company but before then we were like family along with Aunt Mary, Maryanne, and young Russ. Many of those memories return occasionally bringing on a smile. I can remember my first workday at the Budd Company, (I was the new daytime apprentice and he was the nighttime leader) when we first saw each other he dropped the “F-bomb” and said, don’t call me uncle in here. Welcome to the real world. I enjoyed those many years in the Pattern Shop and he was like a second father that listen with a sympathetic ear.
As we sit on this day to lay my grandfather to rest, we know that he is in a better place. This was a strong and stubborn man whom lived a long life. We will always keep him in our memories and hold our love for him dear. We love you and you will be missed 💗