Claud Harrison Russell

Claud Harrison Russell

June 2, 1947 – February 26, 2026

Claud Harrison Russell, age 78, formerly of Mississippi County, MO, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at his home in Sikeston, MO, surrounded by his loving family.

A Life of Faith and Hard Work

Born on June 2, 1947, in East Prairie, MO, to the late James Harrison and Martha Elizabeth (McCurry) Russell, Claud was a man who embodied the spirit of the Missouri bootheel. He was a farmer for life, possessing a deep connection to the land and a work ethic that never wavered.

Above all, Claud loved the Lord and his family. He found great joy in sharing scriptures and testimony with others, living his life as a reflection of his faith.

Music and Laughter

A gifted musician, Claud had the rare talent of being able to play nearly every instrument he picked up, though the guitar always remained his favorite. He loved to perform for anyone who would listen, often playing songs by some of his favorite artists.

When he wasn’t playing music, he was likely winning a game of pool—famously able to beat anyone in the room—or telling a joke. If you spent more than a minute with Claud, you were guaranteed a laugh. His zest for life and his ability to find humor in any situation were his trademarks.

On June 14, 1980, he married Pamela Sue Groves, who survives of the home. Claud’s family was his world; he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and uncle who loved his "tribe" more than anything.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by:

• His Children: Angela Hudgins, Claudia (John) Burns, Travis (Jeannie) Russell, Chris (Amanda) Russell, and Michael (Christa) Groves.

• Grandchildren: Tiffany (Jason) Pence, Brittany (David) Varner, James Bastian, Brittany (Zach) Matheney, Brooklyn Groves, Breeanna Groves, Lillie Russell, Landon Russell, Lorynn Russell, Carleigh Russell, Gus Russell, and Lillian Russell.

• Great-Grandchildren: Alyssa Pence, Brayden Varner, Jaxon Pence, and Sariya Varner, Fletcher Matheney, Newton Matheney, and Mikey Groves.

• A host of beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents James and Martha (McCurry) Russell and his siblings: James Carlos Russell, William Edward Russell, Joseph Jefferson Russell, Lewis Junior Russell, Margaret Ann Helms, Emma Lou Neal, Mary Bell Dement, Betty Sue Humphreys, and Billie Jane Aycock.

Service Information

Visitation: Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. until the funeral hour at 2:00 p.m. at McMikle Funeral Home in Sikeston, MO. Officiating: Wayne Brown.

Interment will follow in the Dogwood Cemetery under the direction of the McMikle Funeral Home of Sikeston.

Pallbearers: James Bastian, Brayden Varner, Michael Russell, Jason Pence, David Varner, and Nelson French.