He was born on December 17, 1949, in Glendale, CA to James and Bobbie Jean (Clinton) LaFollette. He went to school in California until the family moved to Gower, MO where he graduated from high school. After graduating from high school, Russ returned to California where he began his career.

Russ married Mariam Cumba and they were blessed with two sons Jeremy and Joshua. They later divorced and in May of 1990, Russ married Laurel Santiago and they were blessed with a son, Elijah “Eli” in 1992. When Eli was two, the family moved back to Missouri. 

Russ went into the heating and cooling business in Missouri with his cousins and later for himself.

Russ had a strong Christian Faith all his life. He enjoyed family vacations, hunting and fishing with his cousins and most of all being with his family. 

He was preceded in death by his parents James and Bobbie Jean LaFollette; his brother Edward LaFollette; his sister Valerie LaFollette; and his son Joshua LaFollette.

He is survived by his wife Laurel LaFollette; sons Jeremy (Stephanie) LaFollette and Elijah “Eli” LaFollette; grandchildren Hadley and Jake; aunt Dorothy LaFollette; numerous cousins; other relatives and many friends.

A Celebration of Life: 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 5th at Renovation Church, St. Joseph, MO

Arrangements by Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Gower.