Howard Russell "Rusty" Anderson Ii

AVA - Howard Russell “Rusty” Anderson II, 73, of Ava, passed away Saturday, July 18, 2020 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.



He was born May 29, 1947 in East St. Louis, Illinois to Howard and Virginia (Lusk) Anderson. His first marriage to Kathleen Mitchell blessed him with two sons, Howard “Buddy” Anderson III, and Paul Edward “Eddie” Anderson. He married Linda Voepel and was blessed with another son, Vaughn. He married Barbara (Casteel) Schorn in 2004 and loved her children as his own.



He had many occupations over the years including EMT, security guard, barber, minister, and assistant coroner. In his younger years he was a wrestler, known as “Dr. X”. He was a member of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons for 29 years, and was currently affiliated with Desoto Lodge #287 and Murphysboro Lodge #498. He served as Worshipful Master of Desoto in 2018 and Junior Warden for 2020. He currently served as Chaplain for Murphysboro Lodge.



He is survived by his sons Eddie & Vaughn; grandchildren Howard “Howie” Anderson IV, Sean and Tiesha; daughter-in-law’s Linda & Julie; sister Sandy (Ken) Stephenson; sister-in-law Diane Anderson; ex-wives Kathleen, Barbara, and Linda; step-children, Krista Allsup, Kay Asa, and Kent Schorn; step-grandchildren, Lucas and Katie Asa, Grace, Emily and Eli Lehnhoff, Alacia and Lily Schorn; nieces & nephews, Brian, Keith & Danielle Anderson, Cassie, Andrew & Wesley McCann; aunts Melba, Patsey and Joann; and several cousins.



He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Buddy, and his brother Melvin.



Private services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be given toward burial expenses c/o Diane Anderson, PO Box 391, Ava IL 62907.



Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale assisted the family with arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Howard visit www.meredithfh.com