Donald B. Russell

Donald B. Russell, 89, Nevada, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013, at Barone Alzheimer's Care Center, Nevada. He was born April 7, 1923, in Paola, Kan., to Earnest D. Russell and Fern DeGroot Russell. He and Barbara Braithwaite of Bolivar were married in September 1948. Three children were born of this union. Later, he and Georgia Evelina May were married on Dec. 31, 1968, and she survives of the home.

Donald B. Russell attended public schools in Holton, Kan., and Bolivar, Mo., where he graduated from high school in June of 1941. Don began working full-time at the Polk County Bank and was a full-time student at Southwest Baptist College. In 1943, he joined the Navy. After Don graduated from the U.S. Navy Midshipman School, Notre Dame University, and the U.S. Naval Reserve Diesel Engineering School at Cornell University, he was assigned to the 7th Fleet Amphibious Forces in the Far East as an engineer and line officer on the USS LST 714. In September of 1946, he enrolled in the University Of Missouri School Of Law and graduated in June of 1949. Don began the practice of law in Nevada, Mo., in October of 1949.

Mr. Russell was senior partner of the law firm of Russell, Brown and Breckenridge in Nevada with partners Keith Brown and Bryan Breckenridge. James R. Bickel was also a partner in the law firm before being elected Circuit Judge. Mr. Russell was elected Vernon County prosecuting attorney in 1953. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, a trustee of the Finis E. Moss Foundation, former president of the Nevada School District Board, Nevada Economic Development Board, Crowder College Foundation, Nevada Regional Medical Center Foundation and served as chairman of the board of Farm and Home Savings Association for several years, a member of the Rotary Club and was chosen as the Rotary Club Citizen of the Year in 1993 and a Paul Harris Fellow. He was also a director and officer of Mid-Missouri Bancshares.

Survivors in addition to his wife, Georgia, of the home, include one son, John B. Russell and his wife, Judi, Mt. Vernon, Mo.; daughters, Patricia A. Breckenridge and her husband, Bryan, Nevada, and Susan Brashears and her husband, Doug, Eureka Springs, Ark.; two grandsons, Michael Russell and Bradley Russell; three great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and one brother, Dr. Wallace O. Russell, Bolivar, Mo.

Funeral services will be held at Ferry Funeral Home on Saturday, Feb. 23, at 11 a.m., with Dr. William Cox officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in Moore Cemetery, Nevada. The family will receive friends from 6-7:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 22, at the funeral home.

Contributions may be made in his memory to the Barone Alzheimer's Care Center in care of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com