Joseph Warren Russell was born on January 28, 1979, in Kansas City, Missouri and died in a tragic accident on January 1, 2011 near Springfield, Missouri. After growing up in Springfield and attending Glendale High School, Joe lived in St. Louis and Chicago before returning to Springfield, where he was well known and liked, both in his job as a bartender at Big Whiskey's and as the unofficial "Mayor of Springfield." In late October, he fulfilled a long-time dream to open his own bar, The Depot Bar and Grill, which he did with a partner in Monett, Missouri. He was filled with excitement over its future and felt that he had found his place. When he was not working, his favorite place to be was Table Rock Lake with his family and friends. Joe is survived by his fiancé and partner in life, Crystal Clark, and their beautiful girls, Olivia Jane and Harper Susan. They were the lights of his life. He is also survived by his parents Jane and Ed Mellers, his sisters, Ashley Russell Yakes and her husband Michael of Lake Forest, Illinois; Rachel Russell Aarden and her husband Jeroen of Basel, Switzerland; Missy Mellers Kehrli and her husband Adam of Denver, Colorado; and Madeline Mellers of Denver, Colorado; nieces and nephews, Katherine and Elizabeth Yakes; Tess, Meret, and Willem Aarden; and Jackson and Paige Kehrli; his grandmother, Jerre Edwards, his grandfather, James Mellers, both of Springfield; and his uncle, Doug Adderton of St. Louis, as well as a host of friends and other relatives who loved him, too. He was preceded in death by his father, Terry Warren Russell; his grandfather, Melvin Lloyd Edwards; his grandmother, Marietta Mellers; his aunt, Susan Edwards Adderton; and his beloved Labrador, Sophie. Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 5, 2011 in Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 E. Seminole from 5:00-7:00 pm. Funeral Services will be Thursday, January 6, 2011 at Christ Episcopal Church, 601 E. Walnut, at 11 a.m., with internment following in Hazelwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund for college education for Olivia and Harper has been established at Springfield First Community Bank, 2006 S. Glenstone, Springfield, MO 65804, in care of Judi Phillips, or donations may be made to Lost and Found, 1006 N. Cedarbrook, Springfield, MO 65802. Joe never knew a stranger and will be remembered for his quick and contagious smile.