John T. Russell served the people of the 33rd District, which at the time included Camden, Howell, Laclede, Oregon, Shannon, Texas and Wright counties. Born in Lebanon, he graduated from Lebanon High School and attended Drury College in Springfield. From 1951-1955, he served with the U.S. Air Force 3625th Radar Squadron in Korea. He received an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from Southwest Baptist University in 1979. He was a corporate officer for Detroit Tool Companies and was associated with its day-to-day management until 1990. Senator Russell was appointed to the Missouri State Employees Retirement System Board of Trustees in December 1990. He received the Spirit of Enterprise Award from the Chamber of Commerce and Missouri Farm Bureau’s Outstanding Service Award to Agriculture. Senator Russell served in the House for 14 years before being elected to the Senate in 1976, where he served through 2004. Senator Russell was chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. (Republican)