Jerseyville, IL – Russell Leroy “Rip” Crotchett, 90, went to be with the Lord at 11:50 a.m., Saturday, March 2, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Greene County, Illinois, the youngest of four sons born to James and Emeline (Abbott) Crotchett. He graduated in 1952 from Carrollton High School, as well as the Police Academy at Southwestern University. After serving with the United States Army in Korea, he married the “love of his life”, the former Linda Roth on July 31, 1957 at the Kane Baptist Church, and together they have shared almost 67 wonderful years of marriage.

Rip retired in 1997 as a Sergeant after serving as a police officer with the City of Jerseyville after 29 years of dedicated and honorable service.

He was also an accomplished horseman, training and driving numerous Harness Horses, and served many years as the track superintendent with the Jersey County Fair Board.

A dedicated servant to his community, he also served six years as a member of the Jersey County Board, and has been a member of the First Baptist Church in Jerseyville since 1957, serving as a Sunday School Teacher, as well as a member of the Board of Deacons.

Surviving are his wife, Linda J. Crotchett of Jerseyville; two daughters and sons in-law, Janelle and Eric Platto of Kane, and Cathy and Mitch Reynolds of Jerseyville; his forever son in-law, Terry Witt of Jerseyville; along with his grandchildren and their spouses, Emily (A.J.) Wunderlin, Molly (Ben) Heitzig, Errol (Abby) Brown, Alexis (Katlin) Edwards, Lydia (Christian) Kline, Andrew Platto, Reagan Reynolds, and Walker Reynolds; seven great grandchildren, with one more blessing to arrive in August; as well as a brother and sister in-law, Paul and Wanda Crotchett of Jerseyville.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a beloved daughter, Kristen Witt-Brown on March 12, 2011; two brothers and a sister in-law, Louis and Betty Crotchett and Delbert Crotchett; and his father in-law and mother in-law, Dudley and Frances Roth.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 from 10 a.m., until time of funeral services at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Jerseyville. Rev. Brent Meyer will officiate.

He will be laid to rest in the Kane Cemetery with the Jerseyville American Legion Post 492 conducting military graveside rites.

Memorials may be given to the First Baptist Church in Jerseyville.

Memories may be shared at crawfordfunerals.com.