Russell Reece Morerod

Russell Reece Morerod, 61, of Schell City, Mo., was born Sunday, April 4, 1954, in Belen, N.M., the youngest child born to the union of Shurley Bewick and Etalka Mae (Reece) Morerod. He passed from this life Friday, May 1, 2015, at Freeman Health Systems, in Joplin, Mo.

At the age of seven, Russell along with his family moved to Missouri to be closer to family in this area. They settled in Schell City where he attended school, graduating with the Class of 1972. He excelled in many sports during his school years and also competed successfully in vocal music contests. After high school he attended Southwest Baptist University for a short time and did study abroad in Europe. Upon returning home he worked on the family farm with his father. His sports interests continued for several years when he played catcher for the "Bums" fast pitch softball team. In 1978, he was united in marriage to Vivian Loyd and became the father of two sons. He worked for several years at Farm and Home Savings in Nevada, then for a number of years at O'Sullivan Industries, in Lamar, until its closing, and finally as custodian at the Northeast Vernon County Elementary Campus. His longest employment was with the Lewis-Hoagland Funeral Home where he spent 24 years helping area families through their most difficult times.

When time allowed he enjoyed Schell-Osage Wildlife area, deer hunting in the timber, and in later years fishing with the granddaughters. He spent time visiting the locals at Schell City Café and Madalyn's, and stopping by Triple M Mini Mart. He was a longtime member of the Schell City Baptist Church and in recent years had attended evening services at the Schell City Christian Church.

Survivors include sons, Derek Morerod and wife, Angie, along with their children, Jaden, Trenton, and Weston; and Zachary Morerod and wife, Shannon, along with their children, Kayden, Cooper, and Mason; siblings, Reinhold Morerod of Hull, Ill., Boyd Morerod and wife, Samia, of Belen, N.M., Waggoner Morerod and wife, Karen, of Kansas City, Kan., Judith Caudle and husband, John, of Harwood, Mo., and Otilla Fox and husband, Bub, of Harwood, Mo.; sister-in-law, Nina Morerod, also of Harwood, Mo.; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many friends. Russell was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Harold Morerod; sister, Gwendolyn Trainor; and sister-in-law, Carolyn Morerod.

A memorial service for Russell Reece Morerod will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 9, at the Schell City Christian Church, in Schell City, Mo. Private burial. Honorary pallbearers will be John M. Hoagland, Dennis Vantellman, Gary Williams, Larry Dade, Lalan Cole, Charles Ellis, Ed Morlan, Roger Dade Sr., Joe Palmer, and Scott Fletcher.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the family in care of the Lewis-Hoagland Funeral Home, in Schell City, who has been entrusted with the arrangements.