Steven Eugene Russell

On May 24, 2021, Steven Eugene Russell, Father, Papa, Brother, Son, Uncle and Friend went to be with his Savior Jesus Christ, and his beloved wife Kaye Russell, suddenly, at the age of 66. Those who have had the honor to know him know what a big loss this is for his family and community. Steve was born, March 7, 1955 in Joplin, MO. After moving around for a few years he settled and graduated from Parkview, High School in 1973. He then took a risk on a small town south in Nixa, MO in 1976 where he would soon plant roots and begin a legacy. He became involved in the Mighty Mites program where he would begin his coaching days for his son Chris’s teams for several years to follow which he enjoyed very much. He was also an active City Councilman. Steve then joined the Nixa Rural Fire District where he began his journey as a volunteer firefighter, soon to climb the ladder becoming the district’s first rural Fire Chief. After several years growing the fire district, Finus Gold then paved the way for him to become the first Fire Chief of Nixa Fire Department (NFD) in 1986 when it was finally established for the City of Nixa. He put all his passion, sweat and grit into helping it become the department it was growing into. While diligently serving his community as the active Fire Chief he also served as a Deputy for the Christian County Sherriff’s Department, to later join their S.W. A. T. team before retiring from NFD in 2002 and moving on to becoming a Fire Investigator which he was still currently doing today and at one point served as President of IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators). Russell was also currently serving as an active board member for the Nixa Fire Department as well. Steve had many things he enjoyed in life. First and foremost, he loved spending time with his family. However, nothing made his heart happier than being Papa. He made sure to attend every: pre-k graduation, grandparent’s day, baseball/basketball games, rodeos, dance recitals, plays or musicals his precious grand babies were involved in. He also had a passion for digging in the dirt while metal detecting to try and find that special treasure (especially Civil War artifacts) with is son Chris while also helping others learn to find a passion for the hobby with the 417 Relics Group. Thanks to his Grandpa Russell, he also became a big train enthusiast over the years. Anytime you were to climb up and ride shotgun in his truck there was a good chance he was jamming out to Elvis. Steve will always be loved and remembered by: his son Chris Russell, his daughters, Kennadi and Maci Russell, his daughter, Kari Russell and her Fiancé James Meador and their children, Sydney and Liam, his step-daughter, Shannon Kleier and her husband David with their children, Dillon and Lori, his step-son Brandon Stewart, his wife Rachel Stewart their children Cody and Hayden, his step-son Chad Stewart and his wife Sarah with their children Jax and Ava, his step-mother Ramona Russell, his siblings Keota Russell, Marie and her husband Robert Thorton, their kids, Rachel, Karla and Timmy, Clinton Russell, Ryan Russell and his wife Misty, Tammy Comer and her children Jerimiah Comer and Samantha Palmer. Preceded in death by: his Father Bob Russell, his Mother Sandra Bemis and the love of his life, Kaye Russell. Memorial Service will be held June 1 at 6:00pm at Nixa First Assembly, 113 W. Mt Vernon, Nixa, MO 65714. With a private family graveside service at a later date. Memorial Donations in lieu of flowers may be made at the Go Fund me page “Steve Russell Volunteer Firefighter Memorial Fund”