Joseph Raymond Patrick "Joe" Russell, 75, of Wellsville, passed away Monday, September 24, 2018 at Sunset Health Care Center in Union, Missouri.

Mr. Russell was born September 27, 1942 in Berkeley, Missouri, a son of Clarence George and Catherine Theresa (McMahon) Russell.

He was a 1960 graduate of Wellsville-Middletown R-1 High School. Joe served for several years in the Missouri National Guard.

On September 15, 1964 in Troy, Missouri, he married Shirley Louise (Wilson) Bush. Joe and Shirley lived most of their married life in Wellsville.

Joe had been a section laborer for Burlington Northern Railroad for over 28 years, retiring in 1998.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Martinsburg and was a 3rd degree Knights of Columbus. Joe also was a former Boy Scout leader.

Joe enjoyed hunting deer, squirrel and rabbit as well as fishing. He liked collecting trains and watches. Joe also enjoyed playing rummy. He loved watching movies with his grandkids.

Joe is survived by his wife, Shirley Louise Russell, of Wellsville; four children and spouses, Cheryl Lynn Ahrens, of Mexico, Thomas Joseph and Angela Russell, of Troy, Patricia Ann "Patti" and John Fischer, of Montgomery City and Kevin Duane and Carolyn Russell, of Newport News, Virginia; twelve grandchildren, Joel Brower III, Brandi Robbins, Tim Grueninger, Tiffany and Caleb Heether, Jennifer Ahrens and Joshua Farrah, Madison Russell, Aaron and Jennifer Fischer, Megan Fischer and Terry, Duncan, Kathleen and Theodore Russell; ten great-grandchildren, Sasha Robbins, Easton Cuno, Ethan and Elizabeth Grueninger, Jaxton Heether, Quinten and Oakleigh Ahrens, Xander Fischer and Sydney and Grayson Russell; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Frances and Willie Harlan, of Wellsville and Martha and Steve Sanderson, of Olney and nephews and nieces, Eddie and Lisa Wilson, Joshua and Jennifer Harlan, Cory Harlan and Bobbi Jean Lubbert.

He was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter-in-law, Brittany Renee Ahrens.

A Memorial Mass was held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 29, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Martinsburg. Father Augustine Okoli officiated. Serving as organist was Ruth Wilson. Cantor was Patty Fennewald.

Visitation was held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service, Saturday, at the church.

Interment of his cremains was in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Wellsville.

Arrangements were under the direction of Myers Funeral Home in Wellsville.

Memorial contributions were suggested to Resurrection Catholic Cemetery or St. Joseph School c/o Myers Funeral Home, 203 East Bates Street, Wellsville, MO 633384.