Russell was born in Cherryvale, Kansas June 1, 1939, to Leon and Susie Baker. He was a 1957 graduate from Wyandotte High School where he was a member of the gymnastics team.
Following graduation, Russell enlisted in the US Army and served proudly until his honorable discharge in 1960 at which time he became an Army reservist. Russell would attend and graduate from Rockhurst University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Russell joined the team at Interstate Brands as a Director of Human Resources, retiring in 2000.
He loved to spend time in his shop doing woodworking projects often taking his granddaughter, Mallory with him. He was a huge Boston Celtics, MU Tigers football, and KC Chiefs fan, having the opportunity to see all three Super Bowl games the Chiefs won.
Russell was a long-time member of King of Kings Lutheran Church and was a missionary visiting with those at the Federal Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas.
Russell was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Susie Baker.
Survivors include his wife, Linda; daughter, Susan Kissinger; son, Gary Baker; his brother, Larry Baker; his granddaughters, Mallory Kissinger, Abigail Bennett, and Lauren Baker; a great granddaughter, Eleanor Bennett; special nephew, Adam Patterson; and a host of nieces, nephews, and close friends.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to King of Kings Lutheran Church (1701 NE 96th St Kansas City, Missouri 64155)
