Bobby Warren "Bob" Russell

Bobby Warren “Bob” Russell, 92, of Olean, Missouri passed away Friday, October 4, 2024 at Heisinger Bluffs Care Center in Jefferson City, Missouri.  He was born July 6, 1932 in Brady, Texas, the son of Henry and Emma (Henton) Russell.

On October 1, 1955 in Yates Center, Kansas, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth J. “Jody” Harder.  They were married for 59 years until her death on June 7, 2015.

He is survived by:

Son, Mark Russell (Sherri) of Jefferson City, Missouri

Daughter, Leanne Hendrix (Larry) of Laurie, Missouri

Grandchildren, Jody Bunce, Heather Fletcher (Cole), Tye Shauck (Heather), Brady Russell (Paula), Morgan Householder (Justin) and Mary Kosacki (Julian)

Great Grandchildren, Addison Fletcher, Mia Fletcher, A.J. Fletcher, Henry Householder, William Householder, Rhys Shauck, Rhett Shauck, Lane Shauck, Luke Shauck, Wesley Russell, Stasia Kosacki and Fabian Kosacki.

Brothers, Shorty Russell and Bud Russell

Sister, Hazel McClure

Along with his parents and wife he was preceded in death by a brother, Johnny and a daughter, Terry Jo.

Bob graduated from Lohn Texas High School in 1950.  He served in the United States Army from 1952-1954 where he was trained as an Army Medic.  He was stationed in Camp Roberts California, Fort Ord California and Fort Lewis Washington.

The early years of his marriage to Jody were spent in Brady, Texas where he worked on cattle ranches and for the Texas Highway Department.  In 1964, he and Jody moved their young family to Olean, Missouri and the next 50 years were spent as a rancher and horseman, raising beef cattle, showing horses and rodeoing.  Their cattle operation was diverse including cow/calf, backgrounding yearlings and raising Corriente cattle for rodeo stock. 

Bob was active in his community as a founding member of the Moreau Fire Protection District and as a volunteer and supporter of 4H and FFA.

As a high school student, he was a member and competitor in the Texas and National High School Rodeo Association.  He was a Texas state Roping Champion and in 1949, was elected the first student President of the National High School Rodeo Association.  When his children, and then grandchildren started rodeoing, he became active in the association again, serving as Missouri State President and then as National Director for the state of Missouri for 25 years.

Once his Grandchildren quit competing, Bob returned to his favorite hobby, team-roping, and he participated in ropings and rodeos well into his 80’s.  He spent many fun evenings enjoying the sport and camaraderie at the “Etterville Roping Club”.

In later years, Bob enjoyed spending time with family and friends.  He was very proud of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to cheer them on in whatever they were doing.  In recent years, he formed new friends exercising at the Eldon Rehab Center.

Visitation will be Friday, October 11, 2024 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, Missouri with the Funeral Service beginning at 1:00 PM.  Interment will follow at the Eldon City Cemetery.

Memorials in his name are suggested to the Bob Russell Memorial Scholarship fund for the Missouri High School Rodeo Association.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, Missouri. 

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