Charles Cook Russell was born May 1, 1932, to the union of the late Wilson T. J. Russell and Hattie High Russell in Luther, Oklahoma.  He was preceded in death by a son Charles Russell, Jr.; a daughter, Joyce R. Russell; two brothers, T. J. Russell and Herman Munson; two sisters, Fannie Mae Griswell and Donna Riley; a grandson, Lamont Russell and aunt, Rebecca Ingram.

He attended Washington High School in Luther, OK and after graduating he relocated to Kansas City, MO.  Charles was employed as a machine operator at Reliance Printing Company for 32 years.  He was later employed at St. Luke's Hospital as a Shuttle bus driver and as a driver at The E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel.

Charles accepted Christ at an early age.  He joined the Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church of Jesus Christ in 1973, under the leadership of Rev. E. G. Watson.  Russell served as a Trustee, Church Treasurer, usher, bus driver, Sunday school teacher, he was a member of the mission, sang in the male chorus and choir and he served wherever needed.

Charles and Mary Thornton were united in marriage on March 19, 1979.

Charles C. Russell, Sr. departed this earthly life on Thursday, February 10, 2022, surrounded by family and friends.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Mary A. Russell of the home; four sons, Charles Cook Russell, Jr., Kenneth Russell all of KCMO, Hanif Mays of Amarillo, TX and Gold Thornton of North Kansas City, MO; four daughters, Denise Watson, Charlesetta Russell both of KCMO, Belinda Foster (William) of KCKS and Cecelia Thornton of Lee's Summit, MO; brother, Donald Russell of KCMO and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Services for Mr. Russell will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, February 26, 2022, at E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel.  Burial Longview Memorial Gardens.  Friends may call from 9:00 A.M. until service time Saturday at the chapel.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc.