Samuel Albert Russell, 80, of Oak Grove, MO, was surrounded by his family when his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ took him to his heavenly home November 30, 2021.  Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, December 6^th at First Baptist Church of Oak Grove; burial in Oak Grove Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the church.

Sam was born February 12, 1941, in Independence, MO, to Howard Glenn and Henrietta Marie (Goebel) Russell.  He and his younger brother, Glen, grew up in the Independence/Blue Springs area.  He was an athlete in multiple sports at all levels from high school to college.  Sam married Sharon Kay Owens on April 14, 1962.  They raised their three sons in Oak Grove.  Sharon preceded him in death in 1994.  He later married Joan Roe and they made their home together in rural Oak Grove.

Sam worked over 50 years in the construction industry, specializing in building and framing houses.  Sam was a devoted husband, father, son, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.  He enjoyed going to church, entering his ‘38 Chevy in many car shows, fishing, hunting, early morning McDonald’s coffee, spending time with his family, telling stories, and an ice cold beer.  Sam was involved in many projects and was well known throughout the whole community. We will never forget his silly personality and ornery smile. Sam will be dearly missed by his wife, 3 sons, brother, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Joan, of the home; three sons: Mike (Kelly), Chris (Christy), and Jeff (Connie); two stepdaughters, Angela Graybill (Vern), and Gina McGinnis (Corey); 15 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and his brother Glen.

Arrangements:  Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, MO   816-690-4441