Russell Lee Holman

Russell Lee Holman, 94, of Sedalia, MO went to be with his Lord on Saturday, March 27, 2021.

He was born on the family farm, in Beaman, MO on September 7, 1926 to the late Roy and Ruby (Grimes) Holman.

After attending rural elementary school, he graduated Salutatorian from Smithton High School in 1944; he was best in his class in Math. Russell attended Central Missouri Business College in Sedalia, MO where he studied accounting.

In true character, Russell selflessly joined the Army Air Corps during the beginning of the end of WWII, starting his service to his country January 29, 1944. He worked as a Clerk Typist for the 78th Army Airfield Base Unit, at Robins Army Airfield located near Macon, GA. He ended his service honorably on October 9, 1946.

On June 26, 1949 he was united in marriage to Judith Angela Scott, who preceded him in death on December 12, 2005. Of that union were born three children: Charles Lynn Holman, who died at infancy, Kathryn Angela Barnett and Kandith Sue Derden.

After returning to Sedalia in 1946, Russell worked for several area businesses as an accountant. In March 1957, he went to work for United States Postal Service from which he retired after 31 years. He spent the first 13 years delivering mail, then served as a temporary Postmaster in Calhoun, MO and worked as the Payroll Clerk until retirement in 1988.

Russell was raised and baptized attending Olive Branch Church. After marriage he became a member of Faith Baptist Church, where he served on many committees, along with being Deacon and Treasurer for many years. His unfaltering Faith and Commitment to the Lord kept him very active in church, doing anything he could to help, until he was physically unable to do so.

After retiring, Russell spent a lot of time on his family farm. On any given day you could find him mowing grass, clearing brush, feeding hotdogs to the catfish in the pond, or picking up walnuts. He enjoyed being outside as much as possible, tending garden and watching baseball, especially the St. Louis Cardinals.

In addition to his parents, wife and son, he was preceded in death by his three brothers: Joel, Floyd and Lloyd; sister-in-law, Betty Holman; and son-in-law, Michael Barnett.

Russell is survived by his two daughters: Kathryn Barnett and Kandith Derden (David), grandchildren: Angela Offenburger (Lee), Rebecca Embry (Jerod), and Michael Arnold, great-grandchildren: Christopher, Stephanie, Joseph, Megan and Nathan Offenburger, Kaitlyn Bissen (Kyle), Geremy Sowash, Jacob McFarlin, Aaron and Justin Klein, great-great granddaughter: Kylah Bissen, sister-in-law: Barbara Holman, and many other loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm Thursday, April 1, 2021 at Rea Funeral Chapel, Sedalia with Rev. Duane Duchesne officiating.

Family will receive friends on hour prior to service.

Burial will be at Crown Hill Cemetery, Sedalia, MO. Military honors will be conducted at graveside by VFW Post 2591 and The Missouri Army National Guard.

Pallbearers will be Michael Arnold, H. Lee Offenburger, Jerod Embry, Geremy Sowash, Jacob McFarlin and Joseph Offenburger.

Honorary bearers will be Christopher Offenburger, Nathan Offenburger, Kyle Bissen, Aaron Klein and Justin Klein.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Operation Christmas Child in care of New Hope Baptist Church.