Russell W. Kelso Sr., 80, of Slater, MO, formerly of Mt. Leonard, died Sunday, February 1, 2026, at his home.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 23, 2026, at Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home in Marshall with William W. Harlow officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 23, 2026, at the funeral home. Private inurnment will take place at a later date. Memorials are suggested to family choice, with checks made payable to Jennifer Evans, with those funds being used to purchase a headstone.
Born August 9, 1945, in Shackelford, MO, he was the son of the late James Frank Brown and Dolly Kelso Silkwood. On July 6, 1968, he married Betty Virginia Hostetter who survives of the home. Russell lived in Saline County all of his life and was a longtime member of Mt. Leonard Baptist Church. His career began at Wilson Foods in Marshall and he worked there, through all the different ownerships, for over 40 years and retired in 2015.
In addition to his wife, Betty, he is survived by four children: Russell W. Kelso Jr. of Sedalia, James Kelso (Christina) of Mt. Leonard, Jennifer Evans (Brian) of Slater, and Stacy Evans of Sedalia; 13 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two sisters, Ruth Gibson of Waverly and Louise Knox of Tipton; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other extended family.
Russell was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, James Silkwood; stepmother, Pearl Brown; one great-granddaughter, Caylee Cramer; and four siblings: Doodle Brown, Dolly Hostetter, Ruby Schrand, and Opal Martin.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
