Maurice "Russ" A. Russell

Maurice Russell, 99, of Independence, MO, passed away on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at home. Maurice was born on September 4, 1923 in Washburn, Maine to Henry and Ruth Russell. He was a graduate of Washburn High School, Graceland College, and the University of Maine. He met his wife (June Andrew) at Graceland in 1946 and they were married 72 years. Maurice opened a real estate office (Russell Realtors) in the late 1950’s and that firm evolved into an appraisal firm (Russell and Associates) in the late 1960’s. He enjoyed his work and the relationships that developed because of that. One aspect he found particularly interesting included appraising the land surrounding the development of Highway 291 in eastern Independence, the Truman Sports Complex, and many major building projects in Kansas City. He was appointed by judges to serve on panels to determine a fair value on property where there would be disputes between Jackson County and land owners in condemnation proceedings. He was a man of integrity and was noted for that, personally and professionally. He continued this work until he was 96 years old. He had a wonderful sense of humor and others felt comfortable in his presence. He was active in many professional and civic endeavors and served in leadership roles in all of them.

He enjoyed traveling and had many adventures with his family, his wife, and with friends. Later in life he began to write stories reflecting the people and events of his growing up years in northern Maine. He also shared his experiences serving in the South Pacific in the U.S. Navy during World War II. These stories were turned into a dozen books that were shared with friends and family members and have become cherished keepsakes. He continued to mail his remembrances to family members each month until his death. Maurice has three more installments ready to be mailed out that will conclude on what would have been his 100th birthday in September.

He was preceded in death by his wife (June), a daughter (Jane Russell Kalhorn), his parents, Henry and Ruth Russell, and his sisters Betty Ettinger, Mary Hall Matthews, and Helen Hampton. Survivors include his son-in-law Jim (Jane) Kalhorn; son Henry (Laurine) Russell; daughter Mary (Mike) Hummel; seven grandchildren, Margaret (Steve) Sampson, Michael (Priscilla) Kalhorn, Sarah (Andrew) Kalhorn, Zach Russell, Regan (Ryan) Hays, Kristin (Chad) Gill, and Erica (Zach) Dyer; and nineteen great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Stone Church at 10:30am on June 24. Visitation with family members will start prior to the service at 9:45am.

Memorial donations may be made to the Jane Russell Kalhorn Fund at the Independence School District Foundation, 201 N. Forest, Independence, MO 64050 or the Stone Church, 1012 W. Lexington Ave., Independence, MO 64050.