Clarence Russell, a US Postal Service Letter Carrier and Regional Safety Officer and longtime resident of Springfield, passed away on April 10 in Olathe, Kansas. Born on August 6, 1918, he was the son of William and Maude Russell of Tory, Mo (near Highlandville), where he grew up, attended and played basketball for Highlandville High School. He was a resident of Springfield for over 70 years.
Mr. Russell served his country during WWII, seeing combat while liberating the Philippines on the islands of Mindanao and Leyte. After his career with the Postal Service, he retired in 1978.
He was an avid hunter, fisherman (freshwater and saltwater), bowler, golfer, and traveler to 49 of the 50 states as well as internationally. He was an active member of South Haven Baptist Church and volunteer.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Geraldine Russell; his twin brother, Clyde Russell and two sisters, Nelda Johnson and Faytha Blevins. He is survived by two sons, Dennis Russell of Olathe, KS and DeLaine Russell of Fairfax Station, VA; 6 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.
Services will be in Greenlawn Funeral Home South on Monday, April 13, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. with a visitation one hour prior to the service in the funeral home. Burial will be in Hazelwood Cemetery in Springfield at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 14, 2015 with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Association of Kansas City, 3846 W. 75th Street, Prairie Village, KS, 66208, in memory of his wife, Geraldine.