Russel R. Grundel, Jr.

Russel Roy Grundel, Jr., 83, of Craig, Mo., passed away April 5, 2021 at a Tarkio, Mo. care center.

He was born on July 18, 1937 in Maryville, Mo. to Russell and Rebecca (Hargus) Grundel, Sr. A lifelong resident of the area, Russel graduated from Craig High School as salutatorian.

In 1965 he married Judy Gray. Russel farmed in the Craig area. He was working for Hall Construction when they excavated a mastodon tusk, which became known as the Grundel Mastodon of Holt County.  He also worked at Missouri Beef Packers in Phelps City, Mo., did rain and hail crop loss adjusting, compiled Missouri Ag stats, and worked for Hall Realty, Barnes Realty, and Miller Realty. Russel served on the Corning Special Road District. In 1986 he ran for Missouri State Representative. That same year he and his family were recognized as the Holt County Farm Family of the Year.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and by grandchildren, April, Ashley, Johnathan, and Eric.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Judy, of their home; daughters and sons-in-law, Kathy (Jim) Elder of Tarkio, Lorie Gardner of St. Joseph, Mo., Louanne (Craig) Heits of Fairfax, Mo., Patricia (Mike) Carr of Cairo, Mo., and Roseanne (Darrin) Stirton of Horton, Kan.; grandchildren, Jimi, Melody, Shelly, Spencer, William, Ellah, and Brynn; and numerous great and great-great grandchildren.

Graveside services: Friday, April 16, 2021, 10:30 am, Craig I.O.O.F. Cemetery. Memorials: Three Rivers Hospice or the Craig I.O.O.F. Cemetery.