Mr. Russell Kent Poulter, 71, of Blandinsville, IL passed away at 6:28AM Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at his home.

He was born near Quincy, IL on January 13, 1941 the son of Virgil and Hazel Booher Poulter. On January 11, 1964 he married Rose Ellen Foglesong in Dallas City, IL.

Russell served in the U.S. Army. He and his brother, Glenn Poulter, operated Poulters Flower Shop in Dallas City and Russell also worked for JI Case in Burlington. He then attended the Quincy Technical School in Quincy, IL. He worked for Western Illinois University for many years as an electrician, retiring in 1996. He then worked as a self-employed electrician. Russell was handyman able to fix or build anything. He served as Blandinsville Township Assessor and Trustee. He also served on the McDonough County Veterans Assistance Committee and was a member of the Blandinsville American Legion. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing cards.

Mr. Poulter is survived by his wife, one son, Russell Kent (Ellen) Poulter, II of Good Hope, IL, one daughter, Kristal Renee (Rob) Murphy of Holts Summit, MO, 3 grandchildren, Ian Murphy, Claire Murphy and Anderson Poulter, 3 brothers, Richard Poulter of Ft. Madison, IA, Rodney Poulter of Beverly, IL and Dewayne Poulter of Dallas City, IL, 4 sisters, Betty Emery of Mendon, IL, Shirley Lieurance of Burlington, IA, Bonnie Kershner of Bushnell, IL and Kay Ann Thancker of Burlington, IA and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 6 brothers, Gerald, Donald, Hershel, Francis, Kenneth and Glenn Poulter and 2 sisters, Dorothy Hoener and Janet Cox.

Friends may call Friday, December 28, 2012 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe from 3:00 until 8:00PM where the family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00PM, Friday. Services will be held at 11:00AM Saturday, December 29, 2012 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Dallas City , IL with Pastor Gordon Blankenship officiating. Burial with Military Rites will be held at Harris Cemetery near Dallas City. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the funeral home in Dallas City. A memorial has been established for the Blandinsville-Good Hope-Sciota Veterans Memorial or MDH Hospice.