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Continued: In the 1949 Mt. Vernon City Directory, Russel Moten was listed as aColored Resident with wife Helen.
Russell was the fourth child born in a family of seventeen. Tensiblings preceeded him in death. He was educated in the St. LouisPublic School System and continued his education while serving in themilitary.
Russell served in the US Army during WW II. He was was a TechSergeant in Quartermaster Supply while at Camp Polk, LA and he servedin South Africa, Oran, Germany and near France. Russell said his wife,Helen was with him while stationed at Camp Polk, LA. Russell waspromoted to Chief Warrant Officer in charge of military supplies whilestationed in Germany. He left the Army and re-entered in the early1950's receiving an honorable discharge in 1954.
Russell recalled seeing Calvin and Warren, Velva's brothers, while atCamp Polk, LA. Russell first met the Morton's in Bragg City, MO inthe mid 1930's after a trip there with his cousinTheodore. Frencellaremembers meeting Russell when he made this trip to Bragg City.
Russell also recalled a car trip to Detroit with Lila and two othersto attend Roy's funeral in Oct 1957. They spent the night withTheodore in Toledo enroute.
After his discharge from the military, Russell began his career atGeneral Electric Company as a Purchasing Manager for heavy equipment,receiving many awards during his tenure. In 1984, Russell retiredfrom General Electric after twenty-five years of service.
Russell was a faithful parishioner of the Cathedral Basilica of St.Louis. He was baptized and confirmed on 20 Apr 1968 by ArchbishopJohn J. Carberry. He served as a Eucharist Minister and as a greeter. On two occasions, Russell was invited by Archbishop Justin Rigali toaccompany him, along with others, to the Vatican in Rome, Italy. Hereceived an honored invitation to receive Holy Communion from PopeJohn Paul, II during his most recent visit.
Russell was a charter member of the Ameners and the Ostends SocialClubs and he loved to entertain friends and family in his home.
A wake service was held on 20 Sep 2000 at Austin A. Layne Mortuary,Inc. with Rev. Dr. Maurice A. Grant, Sr, Deacon of the CathedralBasilica of St. Louis, officiating.
Funeral services for Russell were held at the Cathedral Basilica ofSt. Louis, 4431 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO., at 10:00 AM. TheHomily was conducted by Msgr. James T. Telthorst with FinalCommendation by the Most Rev. Edward K. Braxton. Russell's survivingbrothers Ralph, Albert, Malvin, Olin, Gary, and Cleon served asPallbearers. Austin A. Layne Mortuary, Inc. handled the services.
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