George Wayne Russell, 70, of De Soto died April 15, 2020, at his home. Mr. Russell was a retired supervisor for the Missouri Highway Department and worked with Dean Wilson Auction Service. He was a Vietnam War veteran of the U.S. Army and a member of Amvets Post 48. He was a member of the Baptist faith and enjoyed working on the farm and playing cards. An avid hunter and fisherman, he held the Missouri State record for the largest paddlefish caught. Born July 28, 1949, in Ware, he was the son of the late George Washington and Inex June (Brakefield) Russell.
He is survived by his wife: Dorothy L. (Pruitt) Russell of De Soto; three children: Brian (Meloney) Russell of Chadwick, Jason (Brandy) Russell of Sioux Falls, S.D., and Chelsea (Lance) Heatwole of Independence; a sister: Donna Russell of De Soto; six grandchildren: Austin (Hannah), Marissa (Jordan), Miley, Ashton, Matthew and Liam; and four great-grandchildren: Ivy, Grayson, Caleb and Callie.
He was preceded in death by his stepmother: Betty (Gerber) Russell.
Graveside services were private, officiated by Keith Perren. Burial was in the Pilgrim’s Rest Baptist Cemetery in Ware. Memorials may be made to the Mercy Hospital-Jefferson Chaplain’s Fund, 1400 Hwy 61, Festus, 63028; or to Highland Baptist Church, 5030 Highland Baptist Church Road, Hillsboro, 63050. Arrangements were under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home in De Soto.