Russell Dean “Russ” Parton

Russell Dean "Russ" Parton, age 63, passed away April 4, 2020.

His hobbies included watching movies, absorbing books, bowling and being outdoors. Russ loved spending time with his family and his grandchildren made his whole face light up when they came around and they were equally enamored with their Papa. He especially loved taking trips with his family and friends including short day trips to Kansas, as well as vacations to Springfield, Omaha, Chicago, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Minnesota, and Colorado. His family and friends will truly miss razzing him about circling the airport, teasing him about the man with the red shoes, the shady motel in the middle of nowhere, him laughing as his goofy kids jumped into a freezing cold pool, the "girlfriend" in his car, the mattress on the side of the road, and many more stories. Russell was a Marine and enjoyed bantering back and forth with his son-in-law who is Army about which branch was better. He was affectionately nicknamed "Popeye" because of his laugh.

He was also proud to volunteer at the Fairmount Community Center in Independence, MO.

Russell had a way of befriending everyone he met and his family constantly teased him about his desire to talk to everyone. His family will miss his intuitive ability to read them without words and the comfort his embrace provided.

He was preceded in death by his parents, dad, Ronald Parton and mom, Doris Davenport; daughter, Anna Parton-Clark;  brother, Steve Parton; and 2 grandsons, Austin and Mikey.

Russ is survived by his loving wife of nearly 28 years, Melody Parton. They were just 13 days shy of celebrating their wedding anniversary. Additionally, he is survived by his step-parents: Kay Parton and Herschel Davenport; children: Audrey Polley, Megan & John Montano, Philip & Dana Parton, Ryan & Christen Shepherd, Sara Parton; son-in-law: Shane Clark;  brothers: Doug & Lana Parton, Steve & Debbie Wolff, Wayne & Tammy Wolff; sisters:  Dorothy & Mike Young, Crystal & Shawn Henderson, Kris Ferretti;  grandchildren: Aleigha, Bonnie, Aaliyah, Dylin, Tiffani, Tano, Andrew, Hayley & Chase, Daisie, Zoe, Alex, Bethany, Katie, Isabelle, Adelaide, Bridget, Emilee, Ellissa, MJ, Eilyanne, Erika;  great-grandchild: Kinsley; uncles: Wayne & Dorothy Holmes, Larry & Marty Young;  aunt: Edie Young; 17 nephews & nieces and 24 great nephews & nieces.

At this time services are pending. A Celebration of Life service will be planned for later this year, and the website will be updated accordingly. Contributions may be directed to American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, or the Wounded Warrior Project.

ALWAYS THERE

When you remember me,
Please do not weep.
My body may not be there.
It has chosen to sleep.
I'm not that far away.
My soul lives on,
Looking down, watching over
You and everyone.
And when you feel sad
And life seems so blue,
Just remember
That my spirit has its arms around you.
And on those special days,
Times that you wish I could see,
That cool breeze flowing past you...
Well, that will be me,
So don't be sad.
Have no fear.
God has taken me under his wing,
But I'll always be near.
I still watch you
Every minute, every day.
My love and soul are with you,
And that's where they will stay.

                                                    ~ by Emma Marie Etwell

At this time services are pending. A Celebration of Life service will be planned for later this year, and the website will be updated accordingly. Contributions may be directed to American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, or the Wounded Warrior Project which offers support to veterans and their families.

www.heart.org

www.donate3.cancer.org

www.woundedwarriorproject.org      (855)448-3997