RUSSELL L. GANDER

Russell L. Gander, age 87, of Leonard, Missouri, died Monday, October 18, 2010, at the Samaritan Hospital in Macon, Missouri.

He was born October 24, 1922, at Leonard, MO, the son of Isaac Newton and Virgie Haun Gander. He was first married to Arlene Echternacht. On March 26, 1949, he was united in marriage to Darlyne McCloskey at Novelty, MO. she preceded him in death on April 15, 2002.

Russell is survived by three children Sandra Scheiderer of Olean, MO; Renee Edwards and husband, Martin, of Edina, MO; and Larry Gander and wife, Cheryl of Shelbyville, MO; nine grandchildren, Derrick, Drew and Seth Scheiderer, Laine Hamlin, Laken Edwards, Jody, Jeff, Jerry and Scott Gander; ten great-grandchildren; two sisters, Geneva Collins of Clarence, MO and Kathryn Jones of Macon, MO and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; one son-in-law, Dennis Scheiderer; three brothers, Raymond, Jimmie and Delbert Gander and five sisters, Eldeana Shofstall, Virginia Baymiller, Margie Echternacht and infant sisters, Faye and Goldie Gander.

Russell served his country as a member of the United States Navy during WWII and was a member of the Leonard Christian Church, Shelbina American Legion and Clarence VFW. He enjoyed dancing, fishing and hunting with his grandchildren, playing cards and telling jokes and stories and driving his red pickup truck.

Funeral services were Thursday, October 21, 2010, at the Leonard Christian Church in Leonard, MO, with military rites provided by Shelbina American Legion. Burial was in Leonard Cemetery. Ministers Reese Blaine and Eli Otto officiated the services.

Memorials may be made to the Leonard Christian Church, Leonard Cemetery or Leonard Community Center. Services are under the direction of Greening-Eagan-Hayes Funeral Home in Shelbina, MO. Online condolences may be made to: greeningeaganhayes.com