Russell Koons

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Russell Koons, age 80 of Joplin passed away on February 24, 2023. He was born on May 31, 1942 of Los Angeles, CA. He was a graduate of Leuzinger High School in Lawndale (the Olympians) and obtained an Associates degree from El Camino.

Russell could be described in many ways. He loved to hunt, fish -anything in the great outdoors. Deep sea fishing was a past hobby of his, in conjunction with planning numerous family trips. A blackbelt in karate, he infamously studied with Chuck Norris, who he considered a good friend. He previously coached Pop Warner football, all the while making sure his girls were taught to be self-sufficient.

He was handy, very handy, and could fix almost anything. Russell was an expert in the trade of laying floor coverings, and even making a great mayonnaise chocolate cake. To top it all off, his family says 'he could get a cement backyard to grow.' In his free time, you would find him on 'The Island' - his recliner littered with peanut shells, mostly just to watch Sunday football.

Russell is survived by his wife, Annette (Geiger), of Joplin; children Deborah and Brian Beauchamp of Cedar Rapids, IA, Brynda and Tom Spellman of Washington, DC, Krista and David Griffeth of Eagle Mountain, UT, David and Elaine Koons of Vernal, UT, Jessica and Sione Linauna of Williston, ND, and Andrea and Mark Boivin of Williston, ND; sisters Marilyn Hansen and husband David of Aurora, Colorado and Barbara Anne Estrada of Houston, TX; 15 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; and his best friend in the whole world was Jim Erhardt of California. 

He was preceded in death by his first wife of 42 years, Linda Kay (Shields) Koons, who passed away in 2005; brothers, Wayne Koons and Warren Koons; and grandparents William John Wilken and Margaret Ellen Ward.

Services for Russell will be held at 10am on June 1, 2023 at Roosevelt Memorial Park in Gardena, CA.

Services are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. The family encourages relatives and friends to visit www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and memories of Russell.