Russell Lee Cummings

Russell Lee Cummings, 85, was born in Walnut Shade MO to Phillip and Edna (Bilyeu) Cummings March 13, 1936.Growing up on the homestead with his many siblings (11 total kids), there was always plenty of hard work and love for everyone. As he got older Russell was known to run around the areas of Walnut Shade, Forsyth, and Rockaway Beach having fun and stirring up some mischief with his brothers, cousins, and friends. There was plenty of trouble to be found, lol.

Hard work was something he knew well and eventually he moved to Springfield Colorado where he worked in farming. It was there he met the love of his life Delores. They were married March 24th, 1959 and settled down to start a family. In 1960 Russell asked Jesus to become his Lord and Savior and he and Delores let God lead their lives. They eventually moved back to Missouri where Russell continued his work as a farmer in the Ozark area.

Around 1972, they built their first home in Nixa and it is there they planted their roots. Being the hard worker he was, Russell started his own business known as Cummings Trash Service. With Delores’ help he would grow this business from a flatbed pick up to a multi truck company over the next 25 years. He was known as the “trash man”, or as you politically correct people would say, a “sanitation engineer”. He could also drive a truck or any vehicle like no other. He was known for his Christian beliefs, the power of his word once it was given, and his excellent customer service to Nixa and the surrounding area. He attended Calvary Baptist Church with his family faithfully, and if the doors were open, he was there. He continued his church service until the day he was physically unable to anymore. Attending church was one of the things he missed most when he went into the nursing home.

Russell loved bluegrass, gospel, and old country music. Often, he and Delores would have music jamborees at their home and invite family and friends. It was some of the best get togethers and memories ever. He loved to go camping and would often load up the overhead camper or tents and camp on the weekends with the family. Sometimes friends from church would go along as well. He would also take off in the RV or fifth wheel with Delores and camp with her family out in Colorado.

Russell didn’t truly have any hobbies. He loved attending church, spending time with his family, and working. His biggest hobby (if you want to call it that) would be spending time with his grandchildren. He and Delores would usually keep all the grandkids for one week out of the summer. It was something they loved to do. This worked out really well until the grandchildren got old enough to fight a lot. Still, he always looked forward to visits from them or going and visiting them himself.

He loved and was loved by many.

He is preceded in death by his his wife, Delores; parents, siblings Melvin, Iva, Eugene, Anna Mae, Milo, Dewey, Phillip, Mary Alice, and Mac, and two sons Jerry Cummings and Marty Cummings.

He is survived by his children Jani Rutliff Nixa MO, Audra Cummings Nixa MO, and Janeen & Bill Milner Galena MO. A brother Dallas Dean Cummings Walnut Shade MO. Grandchildren: Phillip Cummings Rogersville MO, Darla Cummings Fox, Spokane MO, Chrissy White Marionville MO, Jarod Rutliff El Dorado KS, Linda & Chad Campbell Springfield MO, Russell & Calees Sewell Buffalo MO, Rusty & Mika Cummings Nixa MO, Jacob & Melodee Rutliff El Dorado KS, Zachary Cloutier Nixa MO, and many great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Funeral services have been scheduled for 11 am Thursday, January 13, 2022 at Calvary Baptist Church. Visitation will start at 10 am until service time. Burial will follow the service at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Walnut Shade, Missouri.

Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa.