Michael Lee Russell, 69, of Lawson, Missouri passed away on August 14, 2023, at St. Luke’s Hospital on the Plaza from a stroke. He was born in Maryville, Missouri, on May 11, 1954, to John and Ruth Russell of Skidmore, Missouri.
Mike lived in Skidmore, Missouri, until moving to Hamilton, Missouri, in grade school. He grew up farming with his dad, putting up hay and raising cattle, which is where his love of farming started. After high school he went to the University of Missouri, where he then transferred to UMKC and graduated with a Doctor of Pharmacy in 1978.
He met the love of his life, Mary Michael, in grade school but didn’t know love until high school when they became high school sweethearts. Mike and Mary always shared AML…AML (All My Love, All My Life). Mike and Mary were married on May 21, 1976.
He began working at Jack Monroe Pharmacy in Braymer, Missouri. Mike and Mary took ownership in 1990. Mike began working at the Excelsior location of Monroe’s in 1981. Mike loved his work as a pharmacist and enjoyed all his patients as they experienced many life emotions together. His employees weren’t employees, they were family! He was a pharmacist for 43 years, retiring in September 2021.
Mike loved hunting, shooting, skiing, and many other activities he could do with his friends and family.
His love for the farm started in 1968 with buying his first two cows. His love for farming, shooting, and other activities has been passed down to his children and grandchildren.
Mike served as a past fireboard member and served on the Public Water Supply district board of directors. As part of his final wishes, he gave the gift of life by donating various organs.
He is survived by his high school sweetheart, Mary, of the home; daughter, Abbey (Richard) Hussey; son,
Tony (Danielle) Russell; grandchildren, Jadon Hussey, Addy Hussey, Jayme Russell, and Maryanne Russell;
sister, Terri (Mike) Lee; nephews, Kogan (Lauren) Lee and Kolby (Angie) Lee; as well as many cousins, close
friends, and other extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ruth Russell.
Visitation will be held Sunday, August 20, 2023, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Lawson Baptist Church. Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Monday, August 21, 2023, with burial following at Lawson Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Midwest Transplant, in memory of Mike Russell, 1900 W. 47th
Place Suite 400, Westwood, KS 66205.
Arrangements in care of Bross and Spidle Funeral Home, Lawson.
Our Sincere Condolences
Many memories come to mind at times like these, using the gym on Sunday afternoons for pickup basketball games (because his dad was the superintendent) back then caused a lot of consternation amongst the community but we weathered the storm! Games in his driveway, always spirited competition. As we all aged it’s always hard to stay in touch, so glad we saw Mike and Mary at our 50th class reunion last year! Thoughts and prayers with the family.
Larry Cole
I have fond memories of Mike. I always had high respect for him, because he was so kind to me, a true gentleman. I know I haven’t kept in touch with Mike and Mary over the years other than Christmas cards. I am sadden that it was his time to go. I wish to express my sincere condolences to the family for their loss. I know Mike has touched many lives because of the kind of person he was and since he donated his organs more people will touched by his goodness.
Peggy Sartin
We trusted Mike as much as our doctor. He was a well respected member of several communities and will be missed!
Ron Huettenmueller
