Russell S. Weyland, 77, of McHenry, whose B-24 bomber was shot down over Toulon, France, during World War II, died Thursday, April 20, in his home. After being shot down, Mr. Weyland was aided by Maurice Costa, who kept him hidden from the Germans until he was rescued by the French Underground, according to his family. Mr. Weyland was the current vice president of the Air Force Escape and Evasion Society, a national organization that annually brings together downed airmen and those who aided them. "It's quite an honor," said his wife, Francene. Mr. Weyland and his brother Harold started a metal products company in Chicago in 1946 but later moved the operation to Crystal Lake. Mr. Weyland also was instrumental in starting 16-inch softball leagues in McHenry. His memberships included the 15th Air Force Society, the 376th Heavy Bomb Veterans Group, 513th Squadron, the International B-24 Liberator Club, the Chanute Aerospace Museum Foundation, the Bombardier Alumni Association, McHenry VFW Post 4600, American Legion Post 491 and McHenry Moose Lodge 491. Besides his wife and brother, survivors include two sons, Russel P. and Thomas; two daughters, Cyntheea and Antonette Peterson; another brother, William; and eight grandchildren. Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Church of Holy Apostles, 5211 W. Bull Valley Rd., McHenry
Russell S. Weyland, 77, of McHenry, whose B-24 bomber was shot down over Toulon, France, during World War II, died Thursday, April 20, in his home. After being shot down, Mr. Weyland was aided by Maurice Costa, who kept him hidden from the Germans until he was rescued by the French Underground, according to his family. Mr. Weyland was the current vice president of the Air Force Escape and Evasion Society, a national organization that annually brings together downed airmen and those who aided them. "It's quite an honor," said his wife, Francene. Mr. Weyland and his brother Harold started a metal products company in Chicago in 1946 but later moved the operation to Crystal Lake. Mr. Weyland also was instrumental in starting 16-inch softball leagues in McHenry. His memberships included the 15th Air Force Society, the 376th Heavy Bomb Veterans Group, 513th Squadron, the International B-24 Liberator Club, the Chanute Aerospace Museum Foundation, the Bombardier Alumni Association, McHenry VFW Post 4600, American Legion Post 491 and McHenry Moose Lodge 491. Besides his wife and brother, survivors include two sons, Russel P. and Thomas; two daughters, Cyntheea and Antonette Peterson; another brother, William; and eight grandchildren. Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Church of Holy Apostles, 5211 W. Bull Valley Rd., McHenry
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