Walter Bo Russell Jr. (Bolivar)'s Obituary
Walter Bo Russell, age 92, entered into the presence of his Heavenly Father on Friday, September 13, 2013 at 6:35 AM. He had resided at Garden Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation in Kansas City, Missouri for the past 2 ½ years after moving to Kansas City from Bolivar, Missouri in 2006. Bo was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Lena (Spurgeon) Russell, his wife of 63 years, Ida Mabel (Teters) Russell and his infant grandson, Christopher Bo Russell.
Born on October 5, 1920 in Towanda, Kansas, Bo was a resident of Bolivar, Missouri and a graduate of Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar and Drury College in Springfield, Missouri in 1942. After graduation he worked in Washington, D.C. for the Coast and Geodetic Survey as a photogramatrist and served in the United States Army Air Force in the South Pacific Theatre of Operations until the end of World War II. Bo attended Officers Candidate School in Brisbane, Australia and as the war ended, he was serving as a photo intelligence officer in the Air Force Headquarters of General Douglas MacArthur in Manila, Philippines.
In 1942, Bo married his high school sweetheart, Ida Mabel Teters and they raised their family in Bolivar, MO where his wife was a beloved elementary teacher for many years in the Bolivar School District. Bo commuted to Rolla, Missouri, where he worked with the Missouri State Geological Survey. During this time, he was in charge of the field operations which determined the prehistoric river channels of the Missouri River. In 1958, Bo moved his family to Kansas City where he worked until his retirement in 1986 for the Layne-Western Company. Bo retired as district manager and vice president of the Layne-Western Company and his pride with this company was reflected in the training of over thirty young managers/engineers for the company.
Bo and his family were active throughout life in the pursuit of Christian ideals. Bo and Ida Mabel worked tirelessly for many years with the First Baptist Church of Bolivar, Missouri and later with young college students at the First Baptist Church of Raytown. Bo was ordained a deacon in First Baptist Church of Raytown, where he served for a number of years on various committees helping to direct church growth.
Bo’s family include his daughter and son-in-law Susan and Dennis Rogers, Kansas City, MO, his son and daughter-in-law Walt and Marty Russell, Yorba Linda, CA, granddaughters, Amy Rogers-Johnson, Susanne Dilly and husband Jason, Elizabeth Hoops and husband Justin and grandson, Jonathan Russell and wife Noel. Bo was also blessed with five beloved great grandchildren, Avery Dilley, Olivia Dilley, Gavin Dilley, Reese Johnson and Cohen Johnson.
Bo’s life was long and filled with wonderful memories of a gracious man who lived the concept of a strong Christian leader within his family. People valued him as friend, business associate and model of integrity and character. He was named the “Kindest Citizen in Bolivar” in 1999, an award which reflected the love and affection of his community.
On Thursday, September 19, 2013, At 1:00 PM, A Celebration of Life for Bo will be held at the Platte Woods United Methodist Church, 7310 N.W. Prairie View, Platte Woods, MO 64051 with Rev. Ginger Pudenz officiating and Walter Bryant as the pianist.
Bo’s Family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the caregivers of Garden Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation for the loving attention paid to Bo. Daily they were a godsend and encouragement during the years he spent in their home. Also a special thank you and profound gratitude to the Crossroads Hospice and Palliative Care.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Garden Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation, 8575 N. Granby, Kansas City, MO 64154. The Crossroads Hospice and Palliative Care, 2900 N.E. 60th St., Suite 150, Gladstone, MO 64119. Also the Lifting Hands Network, 5962 Short St. Yorba Linda, CA 92886, Dr. Walt Russell, Chairman of the U.S. Lifting Hands Network.
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