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John Russell Obituary
John T. Russell, 84, Died on March 25, 2016. He was born to Aubrey and Velma Johnson Russell in Lebanon, MO on September 22, 1931. He grew up on a farm near the Gasconade River and attended a one-room county school and then Lebanon High School and Drury College.
He married the former Margaret Carr in 1951 and they had three children and seven grandchildren. He is a U.S. Air Force Veteran of the Korean conflict (May, 1951 - February, 1955) in the 3625th Radar Squadron.
He was elected in 1962 and served 14 years in The Missouri House and went on to the Missouri Senate in 1976, being re-elected in 1980, 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996 and 2000. During his House and Senate career, he served 27 years on the standing committees on Education and was recognized by the Missouri State Teachers Association, Missouri State School Board Association and Missouri Association School/Administrators. He was also recognized by the University of Missouri for his service and was a recipient of the Geyer Award from the University of Missouri Alumni. He also received an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree in 1979 from Southwest Baptist University and the Spirit of Enterprise Award from the Missouri Chamber of Commerce. He was also associated with Detroit Tool Companies, where he served as a corporate officer, active in day-to-day management until 1990. He was named for the "Wall of Honor" in his home town of Lebanon, in October 2004, in recognition of his 42 years of public service.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret A. Russell; one son, Doug Russell and his wife, Kim, of Lebanon; Two daughters, Jeanette Hutcheson and her Husband Jim and Melissa Montgomery and her husband Jim, all of Springfield, MO. Further survived by a sister, Elizabeth Willyard of Independence, MO; Seven Grandchildren, John Russell and his wife Jenilee; Jason Russell and his wife Mary; Jordan Russell, Jimmy Hutcheson; Nicole Pugh and her Husband Jason; Makenzie and Audrey Montgomery; Five Great-Grandchildren, Harper, Hudson, Drew and Spencer Russell and Georgia Kate Pugh; Many other relatives and friends. Visitation will be Tuesday Evening from 5 - 7 PM at Shadel's Colonial Chapel. Services will be held on Wednesday at 10 AM at First Baptist Church, with Pastor Matt Taylor and Former U.S. Attorney General, Governor and U.S. Senator Honorable John Ashcroft officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Rose Memorial Park Cemetery. Military honors provided by the United States Air Force.
Memorials can be made to First Baptist Church or Shriners Hospital for Children. Donations can be mailed or left at Shadel's Colonial Chapel; P.O. Box 948, Lebanon, MO 65536.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Russell
Sponsored by Shadel's Colonial Chapel - Lebanon.
Jim Bohannon
March 26, 2019
Has it really been a year since the passing of John T? Annabelle and I hope all who knew him will take this moment to reflect on how much we need statesmanship like John's in public life.
Denise Hough McClelland
April 1, 2016
Senator Russell was a great family friend to both of my parents and a role model to many young people, including myself. Condolences and prayers to his great wife, Margaret, and his children and grandchildren.
Brenda Huddleston (Jennings)
March 31, 2016
Doug, Kim and family,
Deeply sorry to hear of the death of John T. He was such a kind and friendly man. My apologies for not attending for I was out of town. God be with all of your family at this time.
Sandi Scott-Barnhart
March 31, 2016
We are so very sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort.
Sandi Scott Barnhart
Retha Scott
Jim Bohannon
March 31, 2016
Annabelle and I are deeply saddened to hear of John's passing. His long and dedicated service to Laclede County remains a benchmark for every young person.
PULASKI COUNTY CAMP GIDEONS
March 30, 2016
We pray that family members and friends will be comforted and able to share feelings with one another during this season of bereavement, being reassured that no matter the trials, God Cares for each one of us.
Wallace, Carroll and Shirley Johnson Fensom fensom
March 30, 2016
With Deepest Sympathy to your Family.
Bill&Peggy Starnes
March 30, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, sorry for your loss.
Bob and Carolyn Chancellor
March 30, 2016
We were honored to have known John T. May care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead. Our most sincere condolences.
Kelly Rogers
March 30, 2016
With Deepest Sympathy From Our Family To Yours, He Was A Wonderful Person He Will Be Very Missed.
From : Kelly, Dale, Grady & Sean Rogers & Duard Johnson
A C & Glenda Brockman
March 30, 2016
Our hearts hurt for you all. We were so saddened to learn of Jiohn T's passing and are thinking of you with love, compassion and prayers. He was just such a likable man.
Ken & Glenda Piercy
March 30, 2016
Deepest sympathy to all the family on the passing of this special man. Our thoughts are with you today.
Margi & Jim Burtin
March 30, 2016
His welcoming smile will be missed at all the family events we attend. Our deepest sympathy to Margaret, Doug, Jeanette, Melissa and their families.
Katie & Steve Hilton
March 30, 2016
We will miss Senator Russell very much. Our hearts and prayers are with Margaret and their family.
Kevin Stubblefield
March 30, 2016
An honor and privilege to have known Senator Russell. The legacy he has established will endure for generations. Condolences to the family
Glen & Emily Mebruer
March 30, 2016
Our deepest sympathy to Margaret Ann and family. John was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed.
Willa Mae & Eddie Basnett
March 29, 2016
We are sorry for your loss and this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Laura Robertson
March 29, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss I have been thinking about you all . Love Laura Robertson ( Wills)
Marilyn M. Williams
March 29, 2016
John was a great friend for many years and a great loss. I am in SC at Brenda's and will be unable to attend the service. My love and prayers are with you. May God bless you and comfort you.
March 29, 2016
Dear Margaret and Family, So sorry to hear of John's passing. I have such fond memories of the years we lived next to you. What a wonderful man he was. You will have such treasured memories of your lives together. Darryl and JoAn Newman Peters
Bernita Shamel
March 29, 2016
Sympathy to Margaret Ann and the rest of the family. May God's blessings be with each one of you.
Paula Fourt
March 29, 2016
A great loss for the state Missouri. What a wonderful man. He will be greatly missed. I extent my prayers and sympathy to your family.
Paula Fourt
Harvey Tettlebaum
March 29, 2016
A person is known best by his reputation at the end of his days and the family legacy he leaves. John T. Russell spent 42 years in the Missouri Legislature and retired from it with a reputation enhanced by the experience. His family legacy speaks for itself. Would that we were today blessed with more like him, but are satisfied to have been blessed with his public service and friendship for those many years. My deepest sympathies to Margaret Russell, all the Russell Children and their families. Their loss is all of Missouri's loss.
Harvey Tettlebaum
Teddy & Vanessa Ruble
March 29, 2016
Deepest Sympathy to the Russell Family in the loss of John T. We will keep the entire family in our thoughts and prayers.
Lowell & Becky Morgan
March 29, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Lowell and I have enjoyed having John T as a friend for many years. He was a wonderful and caring individual who will be greatly missed.
Jacky & Elana Payne
March 29, 2016
May the Lord's thoughts and His heart be with you today and in the days ahead - to keep you, to guide you, and to bless you with peace and comfort as only He can. May your memories bring you joy!
March 29, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family during this very difficult and sad time. May you find great comfort and strength in your lifetime of joyous and happy memories.
Randy and Karen Neasby
Connie Simpson
Faye Neasby
Anne Hutcheson Schaub
March 29, 2016
Our sympathy to the Russell family.
Tom Hodges
March 29, 2016
Senator Russell truly was a caring man of honor and integrity. May God comfort you and provide strength during this most difficult time.
Charles and Tena Lowrance
March 29, 2016
Thinking of you!
Rick & Debbie Lowrance
March 29, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family! John T was a great man and will be missed!
Jay Wasson
March 29, 2016
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Mike Cunningham
March 29, 2016
Missouri lost a true statesman and friend in John T. Russell. My prayers are with the family.
Gary Witt
March 29, 2016
I served with John T on the other side of the building. He was a master at the long lost art of disagreeing without being disagreeable. He was firm in his beliefs but never forgot that others could be just as firm on the other side of the issue. I truly admired him as a Statesman and as a person. His loss will be felt by many.
Linda Rhoads
March 29, 2016
What a legacy John T left for his family and his city. He will be greatly missed. My sympathies to your family.
March 29, 2016
Margaret and Family;
The world has lost a great man.His loving and kind nature was his greatest asset.
He will be greatly missed..
Sherman & Susa Davis
John Gage
March 28, 2016
I worked in the accounting department for the Detroit Tool companies in the 1980's during John's tenure there. Without exception he was always a very nice and respectful person to me and I admire him to this day for that.
Bob & Patti Dozier
March 28, 2016
Sympathy to the Russell family.May God Bless all of you.Senator Russell was always the same whether he was in Jefferson City or in Lebanon.Always ready to lend a hand to the public.We have lost a good Laclede countain.
mike sherrer
March 28, 2016
Doug, sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He was one great man and served with pride and excellence. Always had a smile.
Juandell Peppers
March 28, 2016
I was so sorry to hear of John T. passing. My condolences to the family.
Richard Hobbs
March 28, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with Margaret and the entire Russell family. John T was a very special man to us and I am pleased to have called him a friend. From our first meeting at Ft Leonard Wood, then Senator Russell impressed us with his dedication and commitment for his fellow military members. I enjoyed many hours of discussion and fellowship since then and I will surely miss his sage advice. We pray for comfort and love during this time and know that John is among the angels...are there Democrat Angels? If so he will be doing his best to 'convert' them. Colonel Dick Hobbs, USMC (Ret) and Dr. Yolanda Hobbs
Johnnie & Sue Montgomery
March 28, 2016
So sorry for your loss.
Randy Shafer
March 28, 2016
I am very sorry for your loss. He was always a source of support while I was going up. Thought and prayers to all of you.
March 28, 2016
Dear Russell Family
Was so sorry to hear of John's passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy. He was such a good man and set a wonderful example, for all of us to follow, on how to live and serve others. He will be missed by many.
Tom and Suzann (Humphreys)Gladden
March 28, 2016
Sorry to hear of the death of an outstanding statesman and gentleman. My condolences to the family.
David Yancey, Greene County Public Administrator
March 28, 2016
So sorry for your loss. We will miss seeing him sitting in his usual pew at church. God Bless and comfort you all during this time.
March 28, 2016
Doug and family, we offer our condolences for your loss. May you all remember the good times!
Reb Beck and Utility Specialists, Inc.
Diane England
March 28, 2016
Dear Russell Family, Please accept our deepest sympathy and caring. Sincerely Diane L England and Marian England
Tom Bender
March 28, 2016
I remember Mr. Russell with fond memories. He had a great sense of humor, an unparalleled ability to remember names and to make you feel at home, and an inherent sense of what was the right thing to do. He will be missed. But while I am saddened by the loss of such a fine man, I am heartened by the fact that his light and wisdom has been passed on and will be reflected in his family for years to come. That is a fitting testament to his good life.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
March 27, 2016
Mr. and Mrs. Roger Fisher and family
John & Norma Woosley
March 27, 2016
Margaret & Family
Our sincere sympathy. May God bestow upon all of you a little extra love at this time.
Nancy Jones Hyman
March 27, 2016
Im sorry to hear about Mr. Russell's passing! I remember his kindly manner. Prayers for Mrs. Russell and the family! I'm sure he is enjoying a heavenly Easter Celebration!
Pam Shafer-Batten
March 27, 2016
Deepest heartfelt sympathies to you and your families in your loss. May God bless and comfort all.
Rita and Ron Deckard
March 27, 2016
I am so very sorry to hear of John's passing. He was the kindest man to work with and I know he'll be greatly missed.
John Ed Edwards
March 27, 2016
Thinking of you
Janie Henry
March 27, 2016
John was a lifetime friend to me and my family. He and Margaret and my parents,, Murrell and Marilyn Williams, were forever friends. He will be greatly missed.
Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler
March 27, 2016
I am so saddened to hear of the passing of my friend John T. Russell. My heartfelt condolences go out to Margaret and the family. John was such a good man who set the example for all of us of how to live for others and serve as Senator, community member, family leader, and patriot. His cheerful countenance and conviction of beliefs made him a leader we all admired and respected. He will be missed by me and so many others. May his example inspire us all to live and serve better day after day.
Howard Reagan
March 27, 2016
Dalene and I are so sorry for your loss. He will be long remembered and missed. We appreciate all he did for us and for this community.
Thomas McCarthy
March 27, 2016
John was a great man. I sat across the aisle from him in the Missouri Senate for about 5 years. He had a good life.
Sen. Tom McCarthy
Lynda (Marshall) Mason
March 26, 2016
Please accept my condolences, He was such a great man that was worthy of all the admiration he receives. I'll always remember his kindness and warm smile. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you; his beloved family.
Tony and Shaela (Wolken) Jones
March 26, 2016
Melissa, we are praying for comfort for your family during this difficult time. Much love,
Ranae Ahmann
March 26, 2016
I am saddened by the news of his passing. A wonderful man leaving behind a wonderful legacy. Prayers of comfort for his family.
Bob Priddy
March 26, 2016
John Russell was what a Senator should be--thoughtful, respectful of his colleagues and of the Senate, unafraid to work across the aisle, firm in his principles but unafraid to seek middle ground with the other side, dedicated to his folks at home. Missouri is a poorer state because our legislature has lost his kind of spirit.
Jerald Andrews
March 26, 2016
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of John. He was always so kind and helpful to me. I will always be grateful for the role he played in my life. Jerald L. Andrews
Randy & Renee Meents
March 26, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. He was a fine man.
Bob and Elsie Bailey
March 26, 2016
Our condolences
Betty Greenwood
March 26, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with you
Levonne Morgan
March 26, 2016
My sincere condolences to Senator Russell's family. Thank you Sir for your service in our military and to our great state of Missouri. God bless you all.
Margie Winfrey
March 26, 2016
Thinking of you Margaret Ann
Lance Collins
March 26, 2016
I always looked up to him as a role model, as a "kid" growing up in Lebanon he was my local hero.
Pat & Karen Calton
March 26, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
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