Mr. Russell G. Onion

Russell G. Onion, 91, of Abingdon, passed away on March 5, 2026.

He was born on November 6, 1934, in rural Abingdon, to Russell and Lucille (Hendricks) Onion. On October 26, 1958, he married Beverly J. Hatch at the Congregational Church of Abingdon. They shared 63 years of marriage before Beverly preceded him in death on October 28, 2021.

Russell grew up in Abingdon and graduated from Abingdon High School in 1954. Despite living with the effects of polio, he played football throughout school and earned a scholarship to play at Eureka College. His determination, resilience, and quiet strength were defining qualities throughout his life.

Russell held many jobs over the years, beginning with running his own toy route when his children were young. He is best remembered for his long and dedicated career with Wareco gas stations, where he started as a station manager in Abingdon and later became an area supervisor, overseeing locations throughout the Illinois and Iowa region. Even after retiring from full-time work, Russell stayed active in the community, holding part-time positions at Farm King and Laurel Greens, where he enjoyed staying busy and connecting with familiar faces.

Russell is survived by his children, Shelley (Steven) Riney of Peoria, Gail E. Onion of Abingdon, and Shawn DeJaynes of Abingdon; his grandchildren, Jeremy, Justin, Stephanie, and Jared Riney, Courtney (Jake) Warner, and John Jacob (Jordan Osman) DeJaynes; and his great-granddaughters, Reagan and Ryan Riney, daughters of Justin Riney. His is also survived by his sister-in-law, Melba Onion.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Beverly; his siblings and their spouses, Gene (Glenadean) Onion, Betty (Maurice) Miller, George Onion, and Susan (Bill) Howard; his son-in-law, John “Spanky” DeJaynes; and his granddaughter-in-law, Jamie Riney.

Honoring Russell’s wishes, his body has been donated to science, with cremation to follow. A celebration of life will be 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 3, 2026, at the Abingdon Community Center, 800 W. Martin St. This is a gathering for family and friends to remember a man known for his perseverance, devotion to family, and unwavering spirit.

He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, in honor of other family members who have been stricken with it and other forms of dementia.

Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.

Services
Celebration of Life
Sunday
May 3, 2026
2:00 PM
Abingdon Community Center
835 W. Martin St.
Abingdon, IL 61410

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