Russell Lee Frakes, 59, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away suddenly of natural causes on April 1, 2022. He was born in Kansas City, Kansas, on December 2, 1963.

Russell (Rusty) graduated from Brunswick High School in Brunswick, Mo. He received an Associates of Arts and Sciences degree in Computer Information Systems from Ozarks Technical Community College. Russell enjoyed many hobbies, such as reading, cooking, drawing, gaming, trivia, science fiction, movies and TV.

Russell discovered comic books at a very young age and would spend his allowance building a collection. Comics inspired his love for drawing and art, often drawing superheroes for his friends and family. His creativity brought smiles to those around him.

Along with a love of comics, Russell had a fervent love of reading – especially Sci-Fi. In elementary school, he looked forward to the weekly school trips to the library where he’d read Danny Dunn books. Being cherished memories for Russell, he would reread them throughout his adult life.

Russell was well known for his love of the culinary arts. He enjoyed cooking as a treat to himself and his loved ones, equipped with all the best kitchen gadgets and appliances. His favorite holiday was Thanksgiving; he would have at least three practice Thanksgiving meals a year to keep his skills honed for the real deal.

In his role as a loving and goofy uncle, Russell passed his interests along to his nieces and nephews. Remembered as the dancing artist uncle who would loudly sing off-key, his joy for reading and entertainment media lives on in his nieces and nephews.

Russell is survived by his mother, Kathleen Frakes of Carrollton; his older brother, Christopher Frakes of Carrollton; his sister, Kathy Gress and husband Dave of Springfield, Mo.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Russell passed his interests along to his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Carl Dean Frakes; his grandparents (both sides); his baby brother, Tim Frakes; beloved niece, Devan Frakes; and numerous aunts and uncles.

Per his wishes, Russell was cremated and his remains will be laid to rest in a private memorial at New Pleasant Park Cemetery, DeWitt, Missouri. The family thanks you for the kind words oflove and support.