Charles Parker Russell, son of Alvah Parker Russell and Nina Dale Penniwell Russell, was born on May 26, 1923 at 1901 S. Wall Ave, Joplin and passed away January 2, 2016 at his home in rural Carl Junction.
In 1927, Charles and family moved to Stone's Corner and attended Brick School, graduating in 1937. Charles graduated from Webb City High School in 1941 and attended Joplin Junior College from the Fall of 1941 until January of 1943.
Charles was drafted into the United States Army on January 27, 1943 and was honorably discharged on December 6, 1945. He trained at Camp Barkley, Texas and served 30 months in the Asiatic Pacific Theater with the 369th Station Hospital. His unit was just off Saipan during battle and arrived three days after. He earned the rank of TEC 4 and received the Good Conduct Medal.
Following his service in the Army, Charles returned to Missouri and worked at dairy farming and also for Dr. Koger at his veterinarian clinic. In 1955, Charles went to work for Spencer Chemical Co., at Jayhawk. He moved to the Kansas City area in 1957. He married Betty Joan (Burnham) in 1959. They celebrated 55 years of marriage before Joan passed in October of 2014.
Charles was an active Gulf/Chevron retiree; supporter of (old) Shawnee Town and a long time vendor at Shawnee Farmers Market, Merriam and Overland Park.
In addition to his parents and wife, Charles was preceded in death by two sisters, Betty Russell and Julia Henderson; and one brother, William 'Bill' Russell.
Survivors include two daughters, Sara Kitch and husband, John, Conway Springs, Kansas, Jana Russell and Phil Anderson, Kechi, Kansas; one son, David Russell and wife, Jodi, Carl Junction; grandchildren, John Kitch, Laura Kitch, Tyler Russell and wife, Kati, Leslee Goodwin and husband, Daniel, Hollie Petry and husband, Luke; three great grandchildren, Alexis, Sutton and Michael; and several extended family members.
The family will receive friends Tuesday from 5-7:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to Shawnee Town; the National World War II Museum, New Orleans; or to the National Museum of the Pacific War, Fredericksburg, Texas.
In honor of Charles Russell, have some ice cream!
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