Russell Wayne Teasley

Russell Wayne Teasley, a resident of Raytown, MO,  died Friday, Feb. 21. He was 86.

Wayne was born August 31, 1933 in Hartwell, Mo. At the age of 2, his family moved to Moore, Okla.

He went to all 12 years of school in the same building with most of the same classmates in Moore.

He served in the Army from 1953-55 during the Korean Conflict. After service, he attended Central State College in Edmond, Okla., where he met his future wife, Melisande “Milli” Lester.

On Jan. 2, 1958 he married Melisande in Oklahoma City. He graduated with a degree in General Business from Central State College in Edmond, Okla. in 1960. They moved to Kansas City in 1966.

Wayne worked in accounting and sales for Navistar International for 32 years before retiring in 1993. In retirement, he worked for ADESA car auction and volunteered with Hope Network Pantry at Connection Point Church in Raytown.

He enjoyed working outside in his yard, tinkering with his cars, and reading. He could often be heard humming or whistling as he worked out in the garage. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Bop, Bop.”

Wayne was a true man of God, giving his life to Jesus at 33. He was a faithful member of Spring Valley Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Raytown/Connection Point for more than 50 years.

He was preceded in death by his father, Herbert Teasley; his mother, Eunice Mosser Teasley; and his brothers, Bill and Keith Teasley. He is survived by his three sisters, Jen January, CarolynThurber and Merle Thompson; his wife of 62 years, Melisande Teasley; daughter, Shawna Arni and husband Shawn; son Chris Teasley and wife Sara; and three grandchildren, Mitch Arni, Noah Arni and Cheyanne Teasley.

In the words of his sister, Jenny, about their father, “A man’s works go on before him to the throne of God, but his influence lives on long after he leaves this world.”  Like father, like son.

Visitation will be Tuesday, February 25, from 6-8 pm. Funeral will be Wednesday, February 26, at 10 am. Both will be held at Park Lawn Funeral Home.

Russell Wayne Teasley, age 86, passed away February 21, 2020.

Funeral service will be 10AM, Wednesday, February 26, 2020, at Park Lawn Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Green Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday evening, from 6-8PM.