Russell Snearly

Russell "Russ" Lowell Snearly, age 85, of Camdenton, Missouri passed away on August 25, 2025, at Osage Beach Rehabilitation and Healthcare. He was born on April 11, 1940, in Clark County (Paris), Illinois; a son of Harold and Myrtle (Fite) Snearly.
Russ was united in marriage to the love of his life, Sandra Tenney on September 12, 1970, in Decatur, Nebraska. They shared 54 years together at the time of his passing.
Russ joined the United States Air Force on February 7, 1962. During his 20 years of service, he worked as an Electronic Warfare Systems Technician. He was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, Nebraska in the 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing. He served two tours of duty in Thailand at Korat Air Force Base during the Vietnam War. He also served in Guam, the Philippines, Alaska, Japan, Turkey, Germany, England, Spain, France, and the Wake Island. Russ retired on February 28, 1982, from the United States Air Force at the Rank of Tech Sergeant. Russ received several awards and medals including Air Force Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with four oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with five Bronze Stars, Republic Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and Republic Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Upon retirement from the United States Air Force, he was employed with the United States Post Office from August 1983 to June 2002.
Russ and Sandi retired and moved to Lake of the Ozarks in the summer of 2002. They loved the lake life especially getting to ride his red jet ski. He always enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. His wonderful dog, Daisy became his constant companion. Russ's hobbies included watching his favorite football teams (Nebraska Cornhuskers, Chicago Bears, and Kansas City Chiefs), Jeopardy, the news, westerns, and James Bond. He played many hands of cards with co-workers during breaks and with family at the dining room table. Russ loved listening to music from the 1950s, was an avid coin collector, loved to watch birds and was known for his t-shirt collection with funny sayings.
During his working years, Russ and his family helped start the Millard Star Soccer program where he enjoyed coaching and refereeing. In his younger years, he was raised on the family farm outside of Paris, Illinois and was an active member of the 4-H club. Russ enjoyed showing prize winning Herefords, including Reserve Grand Champion, Slowpoke.
Russ is survived by his wife, Sandra Snearly of Camdenton; son, Randall Snearly (Gina) of Kansas City; daughter Sherry Combs (Jason) of Camdenton; his grandchildren, Sarah and Jenna Snearly, and Grant and Owen Combs; sister Kay Auten (Rich); brother-in-law Neil Wiley; other relatives and many friends.
Russ was preceded by his parents Harold and Myrtle Snearly, and sister Marlene Wiley.
Friends will be received from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Home-Camdenton. Celebration of Life will be held at 5:00 pm, Friday, August 29, 2025, at Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Home-Camdenton.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 1270 S Business Route 5, Camdenton, MO 65020 (573) 346-2090. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.hedgesscottmillard.com.