Richard Lee Russell III, known affectionately as R.L., passed away on March 1, 2026, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Born in Jefferson City, Missouri, on April 15, 1938, he graduated from Jefferson City High School, where he played football, ran track, and painted the school’s activity mural—the first of many artistic accomplishments. He went on to attend Lincoln University in Jefferson City and Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri.
It was in Jefferson City that R.L. met Bonnie Kinstler. They married in 1959 in Miami, Oklahoma, and together raised four children—Rick, John, Amy, and Michael—in Sedalia, Missouri, where they spent most of their lives. R.L. worked for many years as an insurance salesman for BMA Insurance. His greatest passion was flying; he held a private pilot’s license, was instrument rated, and carried a commercial license. For more than 50 years he took to the skies, earning the fond nickname Papa the Pilot from those who knew him.
R.L. was deeply involved in his faith community as sexton at Calvary Episcopal Church in Sedalia. He designed the cross that hangs above the altar and the columbarium that opens to the church gardens, and he founded the church’s Art Camp for young parishioners. He also served for many years as a camp counselor at Cliff Springs Church Camp in Richland, Missouri. Known for his creativity, he made handmade cards for every birthday, holiday, and special occasion for family and friends, drew comics that were regularly published in the Sedalia Democrat, and enjoyed photography and costume making.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Bonnie Russell; his children, Richard Lee Russell IV (Rick), Dr. John Russell (Pamela), Amy Russell, and Michael Russell (Dana); eight grandchildren, Sarah, Alyson, Jack, Matthew, Maddy, Elizabeth, Christopher, and Zachary; and fifteen great-grandchildren.
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