Russel Lee Shanks, age 49 of Clinton, Missouri passed away Thursday, October 30, 2008. Memorial services will be 10:30 A.M., Monday, November 3, 2008 at the Clinton Christian Church. The family will receive friends from 6:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. Sunday at Vansant-Mills Chapel, Clinton. Following the service his wishes were to be cremated. The family suggests contributions to Twin Lakes Hospice and may be left at the funeral home. Fond memories may be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com.

Russel was born September 27, 1959 in Clinton, Missouri, the son of Larry and Bonnie (Blackwell) Shanks. He was raised on the family farm at Centerview, Missouri before moving to Clinton in l970. He graduated from Clinton High School in l977. He married his high school sweetheart Patty Bland in l978. They owned and operated Russ' APCO Service Station, the Hair Bender Beauty Salon and later owned the Timberline Bait and Tackle with his in-laws, Duke and Sue Bland.

Russ loved to fish and hunt and spent many hunting trips with his beloved dog, Scooter. He loved sports, riding motorcycles, driving in demolition derby's, collecting marbles and being with his family and friends.

Russ is survived by his mother and step-father, Bonnie and Charlie Townsend of Clinton, Missouri; his father, Larry Shanks of LaRue, Texas; two brothers, Ron Shanks and wife, Linda of Clinton and Robert Shanks of Springfield, Missouri; his maternal grandmother, Thelma Blackwell, his nephew, Weylin Shanks and his fiancee, Stacy, of Clinton, his niece, Alyssa Shanks of Clinton, his aunt, Barbara Bilyeu and cousins, Gene, Jolene, Karen and David, all of Holden, Missouri; his aunt, Annabell Rufenacht and cousins, Dean, Frank and Lester of Mt. Zion, Missouri; his uncle, Bill Snyder and wife, Cletis of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; his uncle, Harold Shanks and wife, Roberta and cousins, Gary and Mark of Centerview, Missouri; his step brother, Brad Townsend and wife, Kristi and their daughter, Taylor, all of Clinton; his step sister, Kara Leodler and husband, Peter and their son, Logan of Lenexa, Kansas and many, many other family members and close friends.

Russ faced his last battle of cancer with courage and fortitude as he fought till the very end. He was a friend to many and was loved by everyone and will be greatly missed.