Jerry Russell

Jerry A. Russell, 78, of Prescott died suddenly in a farming accident at his home in Prescott on Sept. 21, 2016. Jerry, son of Clarence and Marjorie Hoskinson Russell, was born March 8, 1938, at the family home in Adams County. He graduated from Corning High School in 1955 and began farming while still in high school.

In 1957, he and Sharon Amdor were married and started farming east of Corning, and continued to farm in Adams, Taylor and Union counties until his death. He was especially proud to be named the Iowa Master Corn Grower in the contour division in 1968 and 1969, and to earn his pilot’s license to fly. Jerry had many special interests and hobbies over the years including stock car racing, flying, tractor pulling, snowmobiling and traveling. He worked hard and played harder.

Jerry was known for his infectious smile. He was a leader, an innovator and mentor. He never knew a stranger and was well known for sharing his life experiences through his storytelling. Wherever he went, there was bound to be a crowd gathered to listen, especially on the antique tractor rides he loved to participate in with his friends and family.

Jerry would say his greatest accomplishment in life was his family. He and Sharon were blessed to have three children, nine grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren whom they enjoyed spoiling and taking on family trips. When the grandchildren turned 11, they were taken on a solo trip of their choice where they made their own unique memories with Grandpa and Grandma.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sharon; three children, Julie (Jerry) Reed of Lenox, Barbie Burnett of Newton and Robbie Russell (Julie) of Prescott; nine grandchildren, Jason (Alicia) Reed, Jenn (Seth) Evans, Josh (Jessi) Reed and Jordan Reed, all of Lenox, Will (Heather) Burnett of Waukee, Sam Burnett of Ames, JaLynne (Ben) Schmaling of Prescott, Keaton (Paige) Lundquist of Tarkio, Missouri, and Gracie Russell of Ames; 11 great-grandchildren, Parker, Zoey, Jack, Reese, Dawson, Dani, Tenley, Marshall, Briar, Cohen and Grayson; as well as brothers- and sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews.

In lieu of visitation and funeral services, the family would like to invite you to a celebration of Jerry's life from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, at the community center in Lenox. No flowers please, memorials will be accepted in Jerry's name to be determined at a later date. Pearson Family Funeral Service, 701 Seventh St., in Corning is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.