Russell Allen Bell passed unexpectedly of sudden cardiac arrest September 7, 2022, at his home in Durham, North Carolina.

Russell was born November 29, 1938, in Penrose to George Howard and Pearl (Hollister) Bell.  He graduated from High School in Eads before attending Lamar Community College.  

After several years ranching, rodeoing, and playing semi-professional baseball, he went on to receive a BS in Agriculture Education at the University of Missouri in 1970.  While there he met the love of his life, Sharon Shasserre.  They married five months later at Sharon’s family home in Cuba, Missouri.  

Russell then began a 20 year career teaching Vocational Agriculture and advising FFA students, first for two years in Anton, then for 18 years in Goodland, Kansas.  During this time, he also received a MS in Agriculture Education from Kansas State University.  Two years after moving to Goodland, their daughter, Loretta, was born. 

Later, Russell worked at Boogaarts Super Market and as a Correctional Officer at the Sherman County, Kansas, Sheriff’s office before he and Sharon relocated to Manhattan, Kansas, where Russell enjoyed retired life. After his only grandson was born, he and Sharon relocated once more to Durham, North Carolina, where he was a kind, generous, engaged grandfather who’s final eight years of life was filled with playing baseball/soccer/basketball, sharing his love and knowledge of woodworking, and passing wisdom to his grandson.

Russell was an all-around craftsman but particularly loved woodworking and welding. He had a lifelong love of learning and was an avid reader and Civil War history enthusiast. He continued his involvement in horsemanship and love of baseball until the end of life. Other hobbies included gardening and membership in Kansas Masonic bodies.

Russell is survived by his wife, Sharon Bell of the home; daughter, Loretta (Kirk) Pappan of Rougemont, North Carolina; grandson, Brook Pappan of Rougemont; sister, Ida (Donna) Houston (Bill) of Columbia, Missouri; sisters-in-law, Michelle (Matt) Hughes of St. Clair, Missouri, and Marsha Shasserre of Chamois, Missouri; brother-in-law, Paul (Debbie) Shasserre of Cuba, Missouri; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by infant son Paul from his first marriage; parents; George Howard and Pearl Bell; parents-in-law, Frank and Georgetta (Kamler) Shasserre; and brother-in-law, Thomas Shasserre.