Russell Eugene Jabs

Russell Eugene Jabs, age 61 of Mattoon, IL passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center. A burial will take place at a later date at Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Mattoon, IL. Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938 is in charge of arrangements. Russ was born on December 4, 1963, in Hiawatha, KS to the late Kenneth Eugene and Mary Ellen (Goetzfridt) Jabs. He married Dawn M. Welsh on October 27, 1984, in Mattoon, IL; she survives and resides in Mattoon, IL. He is also survived by one son, Austin M. Jabs and wife Hayley of Neoga, IL, Ashley M. LaBoube and husband Jonathan of Wagoner, OK, Andrea M. Orr and husband Nick of Charleston, IL; seven grandchildren: McKinley and Penelope Jabs of Neoga, IL, Chantry, Chase, and Maverick LaBoube of Wagoner, OK, Mayzie and Madden Orr of Charleston, IL. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Rick A. Jabs and Brian J. Siford. Russ was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Mattoon, IL. He was the owner of Jabs Construction in Mattoon, IL. Construction was his professional passion, and he loved seeing a project go from start to finish. That passion taught him the value and merit in a hard day’s work, a trait he made sure to pass down to his children. If you knew Russ, you knew a friend. His kindhearted nature never allowed him to know a stranger. Whether at the grocery store or a restaurant, he was certain to run into someone he knew. His big, contagious laughter could envelop a room. His love of cooking a large Saturday breakfast (or any meal for that matter) kept you coming back for thirds. He loved music, with country being his genre of choice, but could belt out any 70’s or 80’s tune on command. Most of all, Russ was a dreamer and an optimist. No matter the circumstances, he expected the best outcome and even if the odds were stacked against him, he continued to believe. Of all the things that Russ loved, he loved his wife, children, and grandchildren the most. He will be sorely missed but his memory will live on in all the stories each of us will forever tell. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in his honor or share a memory with the family.

Tributes

Russell Eugene Jabs

December 4, 1963 - January 12, 2025