Maurice Russell

Maurice Bernarr "Rip" Russell, 78, of Fulton, Missouri, died Friday, May 20, 2011, from Lewy Body Dementia at Fulton Nursing and Rehab. He was born to Jewell Willard Russell and Gladys Condray Russell on June 10, 1932, in Callaway County, Missouri. On May 26, 1950, he married Alma June Wickell in Salem, Arkansas. Rip's loss will be deeply felt by his family and the many people whose lives he touched as he never met a stranger. He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by June, his wife of 60 years; his three children, Shauna Qualls of Mexico, Missouri, Terry Russell and fiancÈ Leigh Anne Simar of Columbia, Missouri, and Rita Adams and husband Stan Adams of Millersburg, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Kim Force, Eli DeGeer, Matthew Qualls, Nichole Adams, Benjamin Qualls, Andrew Qualls, and Katherine Russell; his two great-grandsons, Huston Force and Bowen Force; and two step great-grandchildren, Laden Force and Brianna Force. In addition, he will be missed by his sister, Marie Foster of Auxvasse, Missouri, sister-in-law, Dorothy Russell of Fulton, Missouri, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Marcell Russell and Joe Russell, and sister-in-law, Betty Russell. Rip grew up in the Central Christian Church area where his love of the outdoors and helping others began. He attended Sunrise School and graduated from Fulton High School in 1950. Rip also took law enforcement and criminal justice courses at Westminster College, Fulton, Missouri. His nearly 30-year career with the Missouri State Highway Patrol began on October 11, 1958, when he was accepted into the Patrol Training Academy at Rolla, Missouri. Upon his graduation from the Academy, Rip was assigned to Troop F with badge number "459." He worked the road for the first 10 years of his career, and then was a Motor Vehicle Inspection Sergeant before becoming a Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Sergeant. On September 1, 1988, he retired from the patrol with the rank of Sergeant. Rip loved being around his family, and especially enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandsons. He enjoyed the farm, hunting, fishing, camping, traveling, flying, gardening, and playing pinochle. Rip enjoyed westerns, football, and NASCAR. He also was a small businessman. Rip and June traveled to nearly every state, including Alaska and Hawaii. They also traveled to Europe and cruised the Caribbean. As a proud Callawegian, Rip was always quick to lend a hand and was involved in many local clubs and groups. He enjoyed membership in several organizations including the Court Street United Methodist Church, Breakfast Optimist Club, Fulton Airplane Club, Callaway County Democrats, Boy Scout Troop 53, and Jolly Rogers Camping Club. Rip was a member of the International Order of Odd Fellows Callaway Lodge 105 for 54 years. He also was a Kingdom of Callaway Chamber of Commerce Ambassador for many years. On April 12, 1981, Rip was awarded the American Red Cross Certificate of Merit for saving a life while on duty. Visitation services will be held from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Thursday, May 26, 2011, at Maupin Funeral Home in Fulton. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 27, 2011, at Court Street United Methodist Church in Fulton with Pastors Steve Mallinckrodt and Bruce Williamson officiating. Following the service, Rip will be entombed at the Callaway Memorial Gardens with full Missouri State Highway Patrol honors. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Benevolent Fund, Inc. "The MASTERS"; Lewy Body Dementia Association; Alzheimer's Association-Mid-Missouri Chapter Respite Program; Hospice Compassus; Court Street United Methodist Church; c/o Maupin Funeral Home, 301 Douglas Boulevard, Fulton, MO 65251. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.maupinfuneralhome.com