McCutchen, Russell L.

August 28, 1935 – February 6, 2021

Russell Leonhard McCutchen, son of Russell and Eleanor nee Dietrich McCutchen, Sr., was born August 28, 1935 in St. Louis, MO.  Russell was the oldest of three sons.  Surviving him is Donald and wife Dottie McCutchen.  He was preceded by death by his brother John “Jack” who passed away February 10, 2015.  On October 13, 1935 he was baptized at Holy Cross Lutheran, St. Louis and on Palm Sunday 1949 he confirmed his faith at Epiphany Lutheran, St. Louis.  He graduated in 1953 from Cleveland High School.  He afterwards attended Harris-Stowe College.

In 1956 He married his childhood sweetheart Shirley Drebes in Farmington, MO whom he celebrated 44 years of blissful marriage.  Shirley, born on February 6, 1937, passed away on March 12, 2000.  To this union were born four children.

Besides his brother, sister-in-law, children and spouses, Russell is survived by five grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, one great-grandchild, five step-great-grandchildren, four super impressive grandsons-in-law and two nieces and three nephews and one great-nephew and two great-nieces.  He also was very lucky to have a sports enthusiastic brother-in-law, fantastic daughter-in-law and two wonderful sons-in-laws.  It is a shame that Covid prevented all the family from getting together this past year.

Russ became a staff member with Tower Grove Bank until about 1960 when he entered the Finance Department at McDonnell-Douglas Aircraft (Later Boeing).  He served there for 23 years as Branch Manager in the Audit Department.  During those years he traveled to Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Michigan to collect revenue from the Navy as it paid for its aircraft purchases.  Likewise, during this time he often traveled to San Diego to collect the same from the U.S. Air Force.

While with McDonnell-Douglas Russell also worked with Schnucks Grocery during evenings and on weekends.  He frequently served as a cashier or at the Courtesy Counter, or in yet other capacities over the 39 years of his employment (the last 4 of which were part-time) with Schnucks before retirement.

Russ will be remembered as a loving spouse, brother, father, grand and great-grandfather and uncle and great-uncle and cousins as well as well as a cordial approachable, outgoing co-worker, friend, and neighbor.  He enjoyed  the hobbies of hunting, fishing, travel and socializing at the Elks Club of which he was a member, with friends and acquaintances.  On March 1, 2002 he became a communicant at Peace where his membership continued to remain.

Russ experienced relatively good health until the advances of age began to weaken his condition.  In 2015 he underwent leg amputation after which a subsequent amputation of the remaining limb then followed.  Fortunately, yet he managed to remain mobile, with assistance from family and help from others, during the time that followed.

Finally, Wednesday, January 20 he experienced a mishap at home, was admitted to Mercy South where he remained until undergoing rehabilitation at the Quarters in Des Peres from January 25 until February 3.  He then was re-admitted to Mercy-South where he remained until his passing February 6, 2021.  He attained the age of 85 years, 6 months, and 9 days.

Services; Visitation at Peace Lutheran Church (737 Barracksview St. Louis, MO 63125) on Tuesday, February 9th from 9:30 until time of service at 11:30AM. Interment Park Lawn Cemetery.