Pastor Russ W. Farrell
February 08, 2018
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Service Details
Russ W. Farrell, 89, of Des Moines passed away on February 8, 2018. He was born October 23, 1928 in Des Moines to Bernard and Sarah (Parrot) Farrell. Russ married Merilyn Hansaker on July 28, 1949.
Russ accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior in 1938 at the age of 10 at Grandview Park Baptist Church. He committed his life to Christ in 1949. Russ graduated from Omaha Baptist Bible College in 1957 and furthered his education with post graduate seminars and courses in church and Christian school ministries. He served several years as a full time Evangelist with Dr. Bob Sumner Ministries and six years in home mission work. Russ served as Pastor at Adelphi Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Monroe, Knoxville Regular Baptist Church, Heritage Baptist Church in Moberly, Missouri and First Baptist Church in Prairie City. He also served as an interim Pastor at Grace Baptist Church in Corwith. Russ founded Altoona Regular Baptist Church and Northwest Heights Baptist Church in Kansas. In retirement, Russ assisted his grandson at Calvary Baptist Church in West Des Moines. In addition to his church service, Russ was the founder and director of the Knoxville Regular Baptist School and President of the Iowa Chapter of the American Association of Christian Schools.
He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Merilyn; children, Becky Farrell and Doug (Lori) Farrell; grandchildren, Joshua (Bethany) Farrell, Julie (Alex) Bee, Jacob (Paige) Farrell, Jenni Farrell, George Neuharth and Miles (Brandi) Neuharth; and 6 great-grandchildren.
Russ was preceded in death by 5 brothers; 3 sisters; and his parents.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at Altoona Regular Baptist Church, 803 3rd Avenue SW, Altoona. Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 pm on Monday, February 12, 2018 at the church. Burial will take place at Oralabor Cemetery in Ankeny.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Jon Payne
03/01/2018
Mrs. Farrell, Becky, Doug, and Family,
Pastor Farrell ran his race well and influenced many of us!
Carol Sheets Roth
02/28/2018
I will never forget Pastor Farrell. Growing up at Northwest Heights Baptist Church in Wichita was the best memories of him and I will be glad to see him again in Heaven. My Dad is there already and my husband is there too. So after I see my Savior this just makes heaven much more sweeter for me. I am praying for the family because there are many days in which you will miss them here. I know I do my Nelson, my husband. Pastor Russ Farrell was the best kind of pastor you could ever ask for. Love and prayers to you and your families.
Linda & John Brannen
02/12/2018
Merilyn & family, I will never forget what a blessing Pastor Russ was to our Birkenholtz family in 1964 when our father suddenly became ill and died a few weeks later. Pastor took us to the DesMoines Hospital for a visit and later helped others from the Monroe area at harvest time in the field. We are thankful for the visit with you both in Monroe recently. Sorry we are unable to attend the services. May the Lord continue to be with your family.
Michelle Farrell
02/12/2018
I know our loss is Heaven's gain, Uncle Russ will be dearly missed, but only til we meet again :)
Mary Gutierrez
02/11/2018
My sincere condolences to the family. May you find comfort in GOD's word. Isaiah 26:19; Rev.21:4,5.
Barbara Hawkins Hamburger
02/11/2018
I remember him speaking at different events. Always appreciated him. I appreciated him more for being a special friend to dad. I know they are in heaven rejoicing together and sharing fishing stories. May God be praised for the legacy these men left behind.
Jim & Carolyn Reynolds
02/10/2018
Thinking of you Merilyn and your family at this time of your loss. We have such special memories of Russ and the tremendous impact he had on our family. What a wonderful example of God's man and servant he was. We loved you both. Disappointed that we will not be there to say goodbye and see you again. Know you all are in our prayers.He was such an encouragement and impacted so many lives. He will be missed.
Rick Cowman
02/10/2018
Thinking of you Merilyn, Becky and Doug at this time of loss. I have such special memories of Russ and his influence had a profound impact on my life. I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior at the age of 9 in 1962 at First Baptist Church, Monroe as a result of Russ gospel ministry. Later in life, Pastor Russ was part of my ordination counsel
as I entered the gospel ministry myself. Disappointed that I will be out of state and will miss seeing you all and to say goodbye to this great encourager. Well done, good and faithful servant!
Jan Miller
02/10/2018
Dear Merilyn, Doug, and Becky, I am so sorry for your loss. I am thankful that I knew Pastor Farrell. He was my pastor at First Baptist Church in Monroe, IA when I was a teenager, and he always made us feel special. He baptized me at age 17, was instrumental in my decision to attend Bible college, and delivered a gospel message at my wedding. He was a godly example to me and everyone who knew him. Love and prayers, Jan Miller (Leo, too)
Dr. Charles Ellis
02/10/2018
Love and Prayers for the Farrell family from Nancy and me. Russ was a good friend. He ministered to us as an Evangelist several times, but I remember his ministry with us in New Virginia at Grace Baptist Church very vividly. We will miss Russ, but Heaven is a much better home. I'm so saddened that I am not able to be in the area on Monday or Tuesday, but know of our continuing prayer!
Jerry & Sandy Harris
02/10/2018
We are so grateful that we were able to have that nice visit with you dear ones in November. We are praying for you, Merilyn, and your family. Russ and Jerry had so many good times together. Russ will be sorely missed, but so happy to know he is "finally home."
Joan McCloud
02/10/2018
I have thought of all of you often. He will be greatly missed. I am so thankful that the Lord brought all of you and my family's path together. We were so blessed to know him. May the Lord be with all of you in this time and always.
Dr. Jeff Nelson
02/10/2018
Sis and family,
I always enjoyed talking with Russ. He would discuss any subject and seemed to know everyone. I was always amazed that where ever I lived around Iowa somebody knew and respected Russ through his good work. Heaven is a brighter place now that Russ is there. God bless.
Dawn Newcomb
02/10/2018
I love you Uncle Russ! Although you are probably at peace I see you still ministering to others. You are a beautiful person and a very kind soul. God be with you always and let the angels sing. Love always, Dawn Newcomb.
Mrs. Jan Paton
02/10/2018
We will uphold you in prayer. We know that Russ is with the Lord he loved and served so faithfully.
May our loving God be with you and bless you.