Russ Woolen Mattoon Illinois Bass player dies

Lyle Clary · Post by **Lyle Clary** » 6 Aug 2011 12:08 pm

Russ died this morning after a long illness. Russ was a bass player in the central Illinois area for years and had a recording studio in Nashville before moving back to Mattoon a few years ago. His studio was called
Russound. Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

Billy Easton · Post by **Billy Easton** » 6 Aug 2011 2:54 pm

So sorry to hear of this....I worked several jobs with Russ many years ago when I still lived in Mattoon....Rest in Peace.

Billy Easton
Las Vegas, NV

Mike Spaeth · Post by **Mike Spaeth** » 6 Aug 2011 4:40 pm

Very sorry to hear this. Russ was the first to offer me an opry show position. It was the Kaskaskia Kountry opry in Shelbyville, IL. The year was 1984!

Bill Francisco · Post by **Bill Francisco** » 7 Aug 2011 8:54 am

I worked many jobs over the years with and for Russ.
He will be missed.

Bob Watson · Post by **Bob Watson** » 7 Aug 2011 12:56 pm

I'm sorry to hear about Russ passing away. I worked with him quite often and played on some sessions for him. He was always fun to work with, a great player, a great guy. May He Rest In Peace.
Bob Watson

Lyle Clary · Post by **Lyle Clary** » 7 Aug 2011 2:22 pm

The arrangements for Russ are incomplete at the Edwards' Funeral Home in Arcola Illinois. Check their website or the Decatur Herald and Review website obits.

Lyle Clary · Post by **Lyle Clary** » 8 Aug 2011 7:29 am

A memorial service will be held at a later date for Russ.

Nick Reed · Post by **Nick Reed** » 8 Aug 2011 9:29 pm

Russ was a nice guy, we used him as a sub a few times with the Country Junction Band. May he rest in peace.

Lyle Clary · Post by **Lyle Clary** » 9 Aug 2011 6:17 am

About 1974 I was playing steel for Roy Linder and Country Company and we used Russ as a replacement for our regular bass player. Russ asked if he could do a solo. We said sure thinking he would sing a song. He reached behind his amp and took out a battered case and pulled out a trumpet which he proceeded to play reasonably well. The only other time we had a horn in our band was when Chrissy Sparks Rigsby used to play her tenor sax.

Lyle Clary · Post by **Lyle Clary** » 13 Aug 2011 5:03 pm

A memorial service for Russ will be held Saturday August 20 at

2 PM at Edwards Funeral in Arcola Illinois. Pastor Rick

Champ will officiate

Fred Justice · Post by **Fred Justice** » 13 Aug 2011 5:14 pm

I just now seen this, how sad.
I came to Arizona with Russ Woolen and the Smith brothers, Harald and Butch back in March of 1975.
Yes, Russ was a great man, a real good singer and bass player and a good Christian as well.
My belated condolances to the family. Rest in peace my brother.

Lyle Clary · Post by **Lyle Clary** » 19 Aug 2011 7:54 am

Russ' memorial service tomorrow in Arcola