Jack Barrett Russell

Jack Barrett Russell, 80, of Prairie Village, KS passed away peacefully Thursday, April 8, 2004 at Claridge Court, Somerset Health Center. Services will be 10:00 am Tuesday April 13, 2004 at Speaks Suburban Chapel. Visitation will be 6-8:00 pm Monday at the chapel. Interment in Mt. Moriah Mausoleum. Mr. Russell was born September 7, 1923 in Weston, MO to Earl and Lola (Richardson) Russell. He graduated high school in Guilford, MO. In 1941 he joined the U.S. Navy Air Force and while serving was chosen to attend Central Missouri State College for primary flight training. He then went on to attend Iowa State University. Mr. Russell received his wings and an ensign�s commission in Pensacola, FL. He proudly served his country flying PBY patrol bombers during WWII searching for submarines and surface vessels between Russia and the Aleutian Islands. He received his LT. Commission in 1943 and was a member of the VP squadron 62. Jack graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO in 1948 receiving his Bachelor of Science degrees in both business administration and economics. He was a member of the Phi Sigma Epsilon national fraternity. Mr. Russell, a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason was a life member of the Moila Shrine Temple in St. Joseph, MO. He was a member of the Hunter Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, the Stanberry Blue Lodge, a board member of the national organization of NORM, a charter member of the Stanberry Optimist Club serving as President for 2 terms. Mr. Russell was a long time member of the Stanberry luncheon club and was instrumental in forming the Stanberry Chamber of Commerce and served as President. He was a member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist of St. Joseph, MO and The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston, MA. Jack was manager and co-owner of the J.M. Bakyr Mercantile department stores in northwest Missouri and southern Iowa. He was in charge of B.R.M. distributing company and founder of the Merchants Buying Corporation covering 5 states. He was an avid supporter and promoter of agriculture and had farming interest in Gentry County, MO. Mr. Russell is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 57 years, Betty Lou (Bakyr) Russell of the home; his loving daughter, Roxanne and her husband Dr. Kevin Hubbard and his very special one and only grandson, Brent, all of Lee�s Summit, MO; brother-in-law Kenneth L. Meek of Norfolk, VA; nieces Cynthia Meek of Houston, TX, Corinne Meek Heggli and husband Oivind of New York City, NY; nephews Bryan Meek and John Meek. Jack was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws J.M. and Bessie Bakyr; and sister Virginia Oliver. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation and thanks for the extraordinary care given to Mr. Russell by the staff of Claridge Court. Jack was a gentle man and was very devoted and dedicated to his family. He will be sadly missed and forever loved.