Thomas Leroy Russell, son of the late Donald Russell and Hazel Hughes Anderson, was born on December 15, 1935 in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and departed this life on June 22, 2020 at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau, Missouri at the age of 84 years.

Mr. Russell was a veteran of the United States Marines; while enlisted he served in Japan, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.  After he was discharged, he worked in the Civil Service at the Pentagon and then with US Army Aviation Systems Command in St. Louis.  He was of the Baptist faith and a resident of Cape Girardeau, Missouri.  He was an artist and he enjoyed wood carving, fishing and spending time with family.

He was first united in marriage to Hilda Ann Jackson.  She preceded him in death in 1985.  He was then united in marriage to Helen Jackson Chrisman on January 24, 1986 in Saint Charles, Missouri.  Mrs. Russell survives of their home in Cape Girardeau.

In addition to his wife, Helen, he is survived by two daughters, Deborah Jacobsson and husband Marc of Greenville, Michigan and Mary Caldwell of Black River, New York; by his step-son, Mike Chrisman and wife Paula of Raytown, Missouri; by three step-daughters, Cindy Litchfield and husband David of Dexter, Missouri, Brenda Garner of Dexter, Missouri, and Laura Jordan and fiancé David Perkins of Crowder, Missouri; by his brother, James Russell of Queen Creek, Arizona; by his sister, Pauline Strawderman of Lewisville, Texas; by fourteen grandchildren; and by several great-grandchildren. 

Besides his first wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his son, David Michael Russell; and by his brother, William Russell.

A private memorial service will be conducted at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Thursday, June 25, 2020, with Rev. Randy Conn officiating. 

Interment will follow in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, with full military honors.

Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is in charge of all arrangements.