Russell C. Scherer, 88, of Lawrenceville, IL (formerly of Sumner, IL) passed away Saturday July 9, 2011, at the United Methodist Village North Campus in Lawrenceville, IL.

He was born January 11, 1923 in Olney, IL the son of Chester and Violet (Monts) Scherer. He was first married to Roberta Harms on February 21, 1948. She died October 1, 1997. He then married Margie Bennett on September 18, 2004. She preceded him in death October 6, 2007.

Russell was a florist for 50 years. He and his wife owned and operated the Lawrenceville Greenhouses for 35 years. He was a member of the Beulah United Methodist Church. He served in the United States Army during WWII in the European theater. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, and the Lawrenceville Garden Club. He served on the Board of Directors at Norris Electric. He was a co-founder of the Sign of the Kingdom. He was a member of AARP. He served as a school board member of Cross Roads and Parkview Schools. He was an avid gardener and picker.

He is survived by three sons: Robert R. and Dixie Scherer of Bridgeport, IL, Dan G. and Holly Scherer of Bridgeport, IL, Scott K. and Peggy Scherer of Laurel, MD, Dileep Sachan of Knoxville, TN: three step-sons: Greg Bennett, Ronnie Bennett, Phil Bennett: two step-daughters: Carolyn McDonald, and Gwyn Wilson: 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. A son: David Wayne Scherer and a sister: Vera Shaw preceded him in death.

The funeral will be at the Beulah United Methodist Church in rural Sumner, IL. Burial at Lawrenceville City Cemetery with Military Rites.

Published in Vincennes Sun-Commercial (IN) - Monday, July 11, 2011