In Remembrance Of

James Russell “Russ” LaFollette

James Russell “Russ” LaFollette, 72, of St. Joseph, MO passed away February 15, 2022.

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

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in memory of Russ LaFollette to: The Dementia Society of America P.O. Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901or online at:  https://www.dementiasociety.org/donate

Arrangements by Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Gower.

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Comments & condolences

7 comments

  • Stan Hopkins

    So very sorry, Jeremy and family. Russ was a great friend. I have very much missed our long talks the last few years. Heaven gained a great man! Prayers for the family!

  • Patti Owczarzak

    Rikki and I remember Russ and Laurie and Eli as such great neighbors. Russ was such a great guy and we have fond memories of the entire family. We are so saddened by his passing and will keep you in our prayers.

  • Kathy Sardo

    So sorry for your loss Laurel. Your family is in my prayers.

  • Annie Maier

    Russ will be greatly missed by so many. He was such a caring person who could make anyone smile. I am very thankful I was blessed to know him. I will miss his big hugs and loving personality. Praying for the entire family.

  • VERA BUCHANAN

    So sorry for your loss! Haven’t seen Russ for a lot of years but he had a wonderful personality! Prayers for the family.

  • Cindy Budine

    Laurel, and family
    I am so very sorry for your loss. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

  • Terry Billington

    Russ was a great classmate, a very smart fella, and entertained us with his great dance moves. He will be remembered fondly and I offer my condolences to the entire family.

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