Russell W. Kelso, Sr., 80, of Slater, formerly of Mt. Leonard, died Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, at his home.

Born Aug. 9, 1945, in Shackelford, he was the son of the late James Frank Brown and Dolly Kelso Silkwood.

On July 6, 1968, he married Betty Virginia Hostetter who survives of the home.

Russell lived in Saline County all of his life and was a longtime member of Mt. Leonard Baptist Church.

He worked at Wilson Foods in Marshall for over 40 years, through all the different ownerships, and retired in 2015.

In addition to his wife, Betty, he is survived by four children: Russell W. Kelso, Jr. of Sedalia, James Kelso (Christina) of Mt. Leonard, Jennifer Evans (Brian) of Slater, and Stacy Evans of Sedalia; 13 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two sisters: Ruth Gibson of Waverly and Louise Knox of Tipton; as well as other extended family.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, James Silkwood; stepmother, Pearl Brown; one great-granddaughter, Caylee Cramer; and four siblings: Doodle Brown, Dolly Hostetter, Ruby Schrand, and Opal Martin.

Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 23, at Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home in Marshall. A celebration of life service will follow beginning at 11 a.m. with William W. Harlow officiating. Private inurnment will take place at a later date. Memorials are suggested to family choice, with checks made payable to Jennifer Evans, with those funds being used to purchase a headstone.