Dr. Russell K. Drenon Sr., 96, of Sedalia, passed away Monday, May 4, 2015, at Sylvia G. Thompson Residence Center.
He was born June 5, 1918, in Benton County, son of Albert Edward and Hannah Elizabeth Edwards Drenon. On December 3, 1944, in Warsaw, he married Geraldine “Jerry” Cunningham, who preceded him in death on September 24, 2014.
Russell graduated from William Jewell College, where he played football. He then entered the U.S. Army Air Corps to serve in World War II. He served overseas for about two and a half years, mostly in China, where he served with the Flying Tigers. He earned the rank of Captain. After returning from the military, he attended Southern College of Optometry in Memphis. During college, he worked several jobs, including in the cafeteria and delivering ice, to pay his tuition. He practiced optometry in downtown Sedalia for 50 years. Weather permitting, he enjoyed riding his bicycle to and from work.
He was a Little League baseball and Khoury League soccer coach when his kids were young. He was a member of the Noonday Optimist and First Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher. He enjoyed gardening and fishing, and took many trips to Canada.
Surviving are four children: Diana Johnson (Jim), of League City, TX, Russell K. Drenon Jr. (Janet), of Jefferson City, David Drenon (Barbara), of Springfield, and Dr. John Drenon (Tracey), of Sedalia; 11 grandchildren: Julie, Jeff, Jenna, Amanda, Andrea, Lauren, Emily, Tyler, Kyle, Mary and John Jr.; and 17 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers, Clay, Carl, Lynn, Gerald and Mike Drenon.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 8, at First Baptist Church, with the Rev. Marlin Brown officiating.
Casket bearers will be Jeff Johnson, Tyler Drenon, Kyle Drenon, John Drenon Jr., Kelton Baker and Kennon Baker.
Burial will be in Highland Sacred Gardens.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time Friday at First Baptist Church.
Memorial contributions are suggested to First Baptist Church.
Arrangements are in the care of Heckart Funeral Home.
The family rejoices that he is in the presence of the Lord and is reunited with the girl of his dreams. The family would like to thank Sylvia G. Thompson and Crossroads Hospice for the loving care they provided.