Bill Russell

William Albert “Bill” Russell, 90, of rural Gower, Mo passed away Sunday, October 30, 2016.

He was born on July 31, 1926 to Delbert Clinton and Janetta Helen “Ella” (Schwan) Russell in St. Joseph, MO.   Bill grew up in rural Gower and graduated from Gower High School.  He served his country in the U.S. Army during W.W. II.  After his honorable discharge he returned to the Gower area where he made his home.

In August of 1953 he was united in marriage to Mary Ann Jolly.  After their marriage they lived in St. Joseph and later rural Gower where they made their home.  His wife, Mary passed away on November 2, 1994.  On March 29, 1997 he married June (Fountain) DeMoss Leach.  After their marriage they lived in rural Gower.  June preceded him in death on September 16, 2013. 

Bill worked for a St. Joseph Utility Company for 43 years, retiring on January 2, 1992.

He was a member of Bethany Christian Church, Gower American Legion Post 393, and VFW Post 4428.  He was also a member of Voiture 130 Forty and Eight where Bill and Mary established the Bill & Mary Russell Health Care Scholarship.

Bill was also preceded in death by his parents, one son, John Stacy Russell and two brothers, Richard Clinton “Dick” Russell and Lloyd Swanson Russell.

He is survived by one daughter;  Becky Yager and husband Monte; two granddaughters, Laura Yager (Aaron Turner) and Korrin Yager; great-grandchildren Ty Humbard and Addi and Lexi Turner; brother, Dennis Russell; sister Mary Sue Fehd; two step-sons Darrel DeMoss and Dennis DeMoss and wife Sherry; other relatives and many friends.

Memorial Service with Military Honors:  11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 5th with visitation from 10:00-11:00 a.m. prior to the service at Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Gower.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bill and Mary Russell Health Care Scholarship.