Lee Henry Russell

In the song of life, Lee Henry Russell was surely the composer. A very observant man who would rather spend his time creating than talking, Lee preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around him made sense. In fact, he depended on his sensory world to provide him with concrete data. A free spirit, Lee believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. He seemed to know what fit and what didn’t fit in everything he did. Lee perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to him, yet he lived with a definite sense of purpose. He was a man who was always ready to share his creations with those around him.

      Lee was born on October 28, 1927 at home in Okean, Arkansas. His parents were Amos and Laura Russell. Lee was raised in Okean, Arkansas. As a young child, Lee was optimistic in his outlook. He sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply his creative energies. Lee rarely called attention to himself, but when he did speak out, his message was clearly understood by those around him.

      Early on in his family relationships, Lee showed that he was a tolerant and flexible person, and he got along fairly well with everyone. He was raised with two younger sisters, Theresa and Alma. He was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

      As he was growing up, Lee developed into a person who enjoyed physically doing things, and he took pleasure in using his hands in order to create. Whether it was drawing pictures, working with building kits, or even just tapping out a rhythm to play by, Lee liked concrete things. Growing up, Lee took part in baseball. In his spare time he liked reading. Lee's memorable achievements included Valadictorian of his High School. However, to Lee, the most fun he had was simply playing, and spending time with friends.

      Early on in his school years, Lee showed an interest in learning, especially when it came to subjects in the arts. At times, school learning did not provide Lee with sufficient challenges, but being an avid reader, he could often be “lost in a book” well above his grade level. His passion for fine arts was so keen that fellow students and even his teachers recognized it. He graduated from Delaplaine Arkansas High School in 1945. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was math.

      Those who didn’t know Lee well might not view him as being an outgoing person, those who called him their friend knew differently. Lee was shy and sensitive, a person who never forced his opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that his kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of Lee’s, you understood how true a friend he could be. While growing up, some of his best friends were his cousins. Later in life, he became friends with his wife Bertha.

      A person who was sensitive to others’ feelings, modest and tolerant, Lee had the ability to become completely devoted to another when that affection was returned. On September 17, 1951, Lee exchanged wedding vows with his life partner Bertha Mae Kerley at the Preachers house of Pocahontas, Arkansas.

      Lee was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to his children. These emotional bonds made him as much playmate as parent. He gave his family unconditional love and kindness, sharing his artistic nature by turning everyday events into creative play. Lee was blessed with five children, Linda, Gary, Ron, Tom and Debbie.

      Lee found ways to enjoy what he did for a living. He worked hard and did his best to succeed every day. His primary occupation was electrical maintance. He was employed for 30 years by McDonnell Douglas. Lee tended to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing his will on others.

      Lee was an Army veteran. He was stationed in Ft. Meade, Maryland. Lee saw action in the Korean War. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Corporal. Lee’s fellow soldiers saw him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

      Lee enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were music, reading, gardening and carpentry. Lee was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others. He was relaxed in his approach to his leisure time because he wanted to savor the present moment.

      Lee liked sports. In high school, Lee played baseball. Recreational sports included walking. Lee was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list was baseball.

      Throughout his life, Lee was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Throughout his later years, Lee was an active member of the Church of Christ. He had a tendency to bring peace to his relationships by avoiding disagreements.

      Lee’s faith was important to him. He was a member of the Church of Christ for more than 50 years. Lee's passionate commitment to upholding his values placed him at home in his religion, where he took comfort in the company of others who believed as he did.

      Though he never set out to gain individual recognition, Lee was given accolades for his many and varied accomplishments throughout his life. He often undervalued his achievements and abilities and simply viewed his performance as fulfilling his responsibilities. Some of his most prestigious awards included "BEST DAD".

      Because he loved the world around him, Lee enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. It was an opportunity for him to kick back and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Lee put his personal trademark on any leisure planning that he undertook. Favorite vacations included traveling to Mexico and the Carribean.

      Lee was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. Lee’s favorites were Two Poodles, Baby and Honey. They were best friends for fourteen years.

      When Lee’s retirement finally arrived in 1986 after 59 years, he was well prepared. In retirement, he found new pleasure in Gardening, walng, reading and taking care of his wife Bertha. Even in retirement, Lee continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. In these later chapters of his life, he felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him and simply enjoying what he had worked so hard to attain.

Lee passed away in DePaul Hospital, Bridgeton MO, from a heart attack that was a complication of cancer, on Thursday September 1, 2016. Lee was the beloved husband of 65 years to Bertha M (nee Kerley) Russell; father of Linda Russell Harris, Gary Lee Russell (Karen), Ronald S Russell (Chuck), Thomas L. Russell (Marty), Deborah J Russell Nolting (Harvey); grandfather "PaPa of 8; and great grandfather of 9.

Services were held at Alexander White-Mullen Funeral Home in St. Ann MO. and Interment was at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery

      Lee was a good man, a kind man, and a practical man who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. He leaves behind him a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Lee always had much to give and was able to make those connections in his life where his gifts were appreciated. Lee was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Lee Henry Russell.

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Lee Henry Russell, 88, of St. Ann, MO passed away on Thursday, September 1, 2016. Lee was born on October 28, 1927 in Delaplaine, Arkansas to Amos and Laura (nee Cook) Russell.

Lee is the beloved husband of 65 years to Bertha M. (nee Kerley) Russell; father of Linda Russell Harris, Garry Lee Russell (Karen), Ronald S. Russell (Chuck), Thomas L. Russell (Marty), Deborah J. Russell Nolting (Harvey); grandfather "PaPa" of 8; and great grandfather of 9.

Lee lived in Arkansas for 25 years and made his home for the next 63 years in Overland and St. Ann. He was a proud veteran of the US Army serving during the Korean War. He was a hard worker and retired after 30 years from McDonnell-Douglas. He loved spending time with his kids, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Lee was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan and enjoyed time tending his gardens. He was proud of his vegetables and all of his flowers. He was a guitar player who loved to travel, especially to Mexico. Latin music was his favorite! His joyful spirit will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure to have known him.

Friends may visit on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 from 4-8 p.m. at Alexander-White-Mullen Funeral Home in St. Ann. Service time is 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 8, 2016. Interment will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Expressions of condolence may be offered at www.alexanderstlouis.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to The Siteman Cancer Center @www.gifts.wustl.edu/siteman.com.