Russell "Newt" Young (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Russell “Newt” Newton Young was born December 20, 1929, to Omer N.
Young and Ona Mae (Chambers) Young near St. George, Missouri. He departed
this life Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at his home in St. Louis, Missouri at the
age of ninety-three.
Russell was born into a large family in Wright County, Missouri. He had
eight older sisters and two younger brothers. Even though he grew up during the
great depression and World War II, he described an idyllic childhood rooted in
faith, love and laughter. He left the family homestead and moved to St. Louis in
his early twenties. He worked several jobs on his arrival, but ended up working for
White Castle after the manager offered him a job because he dined there every day.
This work was interrupted when Russell was drafted into the United States Army
in 1951. He completed his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri then was
sent to fight in Chorwan, Korea where he sustained wounds from heavy combat
with enemy forces. Russell made his way from the M.A.S.H. units in Korea to the
Army/Navy Hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas where he spent 18 months learning
to walk and use his arms again. He always credited his survival to his strong faith
in God and love for his family. Russell was awarded the Purple Heart and
honorably retired from the United States Army in 1953.
After a brief return to the family farm, Russell accepted a managerial
position from his old boss at White Castle in St. Louis. This is where he met
Imogene Edmundson, who became his loving wife for over 65 years. Russell
declared over and over that she was sent to him by God.
Russell had a gift for fixing things, by age twelve, he was working on his
dad’s tractor. He turned his gift of repair into a career with the Dependable
Appliance Company which eventually became the Sears and Roebuck Company.
Russell began as a service technician and retired as a manager. During his career
he was an example of quiet dignity, fairness and grace, and set an example of high
standards in service and quality while projecting the characteristics of a man of
faith.
Russell was a St. Louis County police reserve officer for several years
during the 1970s. He felt strongly about serving God and community and felt his
sharp-shooter skills could be used serving and protecting others.
As Russell’s family dynamic changed, he found himself and his family
spending more and more time at the family farm in Wight County. Russell and
Imogene eventually purchased the property, a herd of cattle, and began the next
chapter in their family’s life. Russell worked tirelessly during the week at Sears
and even harder each weekend to manage the farm and cattle. He counted his
blessings, not his challenges, and always took time for worship and praise.
After retiring from Sears in 1996, Russell and Imogene enjoyed traveling to
gospel music events. In an effort to become part of the Wright County community
and inspired by gospel music, he played an active role in organizing the Hartville
4 th of July gospel singing and was privileged to fill the role of moderator for the
Memorial Day (Decoration) Service at Coldwater Cemetery for several years. His
love of God, family and Community drove him to continue traditions that shaped
him as a child into a devout Christian man.
Russell’s strong faith in his Lord Jesus Christ guided him all the days of his
life. He turned to scripture in joy and pain and turned to God for guidance and in
gratitude. His love of God was pure and as deep and natural as his breath. His
whole life was a testament to Gods love. He recited and lived Proverbs 3:6 In all
thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy path.
Russell was preceded in death by his parents, Omer and Mae Young; his
brothers, John and Tom; his sisters, Elizabeth, Ruth, Ruby, Kathleen, Alma, Ila
Mae, Alice, and Sally.
He is survived by his wife, Imogene Young, of St. Louis, Missouri; two
daughters, Connie Young, Carrie Schlemmer and husband, Jeffery of St. Louis,
Missouri; a son, Matthew Young and wife, Patti of Edwardsville, Illinois; two
grandchildren, Katie Slater and husband, Warren of Troy, Illinois and Nicolas
Young and wife, Bella of Joliet, Illinois; and two great-grandchildren, Riley and
Victor.
Russell lived a life of service to God, Country, Family, and Community. He
was shaped by faith and family and led by example, shaping his own family and
leaving a legacy of love.
What’s your fondest memory of Russell?
What’s a lesson you learned from Russell?
Share a story where Russell's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Russell you’ll never forget.
How did Russell make you smile?
