Russel "Russ" Nelson Hughes, 74, of Springfield, MO passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, July 7, 2024. He was born June 7, 1950, to T.J. and Reva Hughes in Fordland, MO.

He was a middle child of nine kids in his family. In his youth, he played baseball as a pitcher and would have loved to be a professional baseball player but settled on obsessively watching every MLB game.

Siblings say that Russ was raised on PB&J sandwiches, and this continued to be true throughout his life as it remained one of his main food choices along with Frosted Flakes, hamburgers, fries, sweet tea, and lots of milk.

Russ married Chalma "Dee" Hughes on May 6, 1989, and has been happily married for 35 years. With this marriage, he became "step" dad and "step" Papa, but he always left out "step" as he loved and treated all as if they were his own.

Over the years, Russ faced many health problems including a triple bypass surgery at 48 years of age. Despite his health challenges, he made it a point to attend grandkids' events including baseball, basketball, volleyball, hockey, and dance. He also enjoyed keeping up with kids and grandkids through videos and pictures posted on social media. He loved big and adored all of his family members, which included his dogs and a spoiled rotten cat. Russ also enjoyed talking to friends on his CB radio and watching baseball games (especially the STL Cardinals), western movies, and the news.

He is survived by his wife, Dee; kids; several grandkids and great grandkids; two sisters; four brothers; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother; one sister; a daughter; and one grandson.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield, MO. Celebration of life plans will be announced at a later time.