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Russell Krebs
WAPPAPELLO, Mo. — Russell Edward Krebs, age 89, of Wappapello passed away Aug. 25, 2024, at his home, surrounded by family.
Russell was born Jan. 27, 1935, in New Madrid County, Missouri, to the late Carl Edward and Bongene Simpson Krebs of New Madrid, Missouri.
Russell attended Southeast Missouri State University in 1955. He graduated from New Madrid High School in 1954 where he loved basketball and was fortunate to have Ted Coil as a great coach, numerous teachers that drove him, his brother, and teammates, to the games, and strong mentors and team supporters like Jimmy Joe Bloomfield. Russell enjoyed sports as a young boy picking up golf while caddying for golfers of the New Madrid Country Club. In later years, preparing March Madness brackets were his favorite past time.
Russell was a veteran and served in the U.S. Army Reserves. As a young man, he was no stranger to hard work. He chopped and picked cotton for his grandfather Welton Simpson, later clearing timber for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers along the Mississippi River, and asphalting roads in Northern Missouri. He also worked as a bookkeeper for the Bootheel Gin Company of New Madrid.
Russell found his lifelong career as a farm manager, bookkeeper, livestock manager, and eventually, farmer for the late F.S. Hunter of New Madrid. In recent days, reflecting on his past, Dad several times commented he was born during a great era, and would never trade any of his experiences. There was nothing like being on the back of a great horse, looking over the herd, finding the sick calf, roping her in the pasture, treating her and riding through next week to find a healed calf.
In 1960 Russell found the love of his life, Barbara Happe Krebs, who survives of the home. Surviving Russell are one daughter, Rhonda and Matthew Harrison of Lees Summit, Missouri; one son, Roger Edward Krebs and Jeanette Akins of Sikeston, Missouri.
Surviving siblings are Donna (Robert) Hulshof of Portageville, Missouri, Louella (Grady) Wilford of Wappapello, Judy (James) Taylor of New Madrid, Randy (Ronda) Krebs of Steubenville, Ohio, Tom (Sue) Krebs of St. Charles, Missouri, and Mary Krebs, beloved wife of the late Gene Krebs of Hendersonville, Tennessee.
Also surviving are four grandchildren, Mindy (Jordan) French of Jackson, Missouri, Zachary (Betsy) Krebs of Manchester, Missouri, Allyson Krebs of Sikeston and Brody Harrison of Lees Summit; and four great-grandchildren Annaleigh and Nolan French of Jackson, Missouri, and Clara and Ella Krebs of Manchester, Missouri; plus, many nieces and nephews.
Russell was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Michael Brian Krebs; and brother, Gene Krebs.
Russell was a loving husband and father that loved and cared for his family, brothers and sisters. Russell was a great friend to many across Southeast Missouri and will be greatly missed by all.
A future private interment will be held at Sikeston Memorial Park Cemetery.