Russell A. Vinson

Russell Aaron Vinson, 87, of Sedalia passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, December 13, 2023  at his home. 

Russell was the third of six children born to John L and Bessie (Adair) Vinson on December 30, 1935, in Sedalia.  

He graduated from Smith-Cotton High School in 1953 and began his lifelong career as a certified dental technician. At the age of 17 he began working for Sedalia Dental Lab and in 1972 he started his own business, Downtown Dental Laboratory. He continued working for himself along with his children for over 70 years semi-retiring in 2023 at the age of 87. He might be what some would call a workaholic but he loved his job and was a master dental technician. 

On November 10, 1956 he married Mary Ellen Kuykendall. In those 67 years of marriage they were blessed with 6 children, 24 grandchildren, and 24 great grandchildren.  

Russell professed his faith in Jesus in 1964, and was a member of Bethany Baptist Church for over 59 years.  He served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, superintendent, trustee, finance secretary as well as many other  positions. In years past he volunteered his time cleaning the church and taking care of the church lawn. He loved serving the Lord, the church and church family, and took every opportunity he could to share the gospel.  He enjoyed spending his time teaching his kids and grandkids how to hunt, fish, garden, and enjoy the outdoors on his small farm in Clifton City.  

Survivors include his wife, Mary of the home; a sister, Dorcas Ann Wolfe (Larry), Blue Springs, Mo; his son,  Mark Vinson (Lynette), Odessa, Mo.; daughters, Shelly Baro; Julie Wiskur (Roger); Becky Parker (Brent) all of Sedalia, Mo.; Lisa (Tobe) of Clinton, Mo.; and Rena Norman (Ebby), of Otterville, Mo. Grandchildren, Tim Vinson (Kristina); Aaron Vinson (Danielle); Hannah Hurr (Ryan); Cassie Vinson; Sarah Cummins; Evan Cummins; Tristin Baro; Ramey Baro; Justin Wiskur (Katie); Ian Wiskur; Shadow Kratzer; Mariah Middleton (Kyle);  Lakota Faisal (Shafat); JuliaunaWiskur; Charity Owens (Cameron); Katherine Parker; Jacob Parker (Cristina);  Rachel Willis (Josh); Daniel Parker; Betsey Parker; Eli Parker; Cleo Norman; Ava Norman. As well as 25 great  grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Johnny (Bud) Vinson; sisters Daisy Huffman (Bob); Shirley Vansell (Jimmy); Georgia Pope; and grandson, Collin Baker Wiskur. 

Memorial Services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 8, at Bethany Baptist Church, 500 North Park, Sedalia. The family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m. at the church. 

Donations can be given to the Russell Vinson Memorial Fund in care of Mary Vinson, for a memorial project at the church.

Arrangements are in the care of Heckart Funeral Home.